Documenting the Documentary: Close...
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Documenting the Documentary: Close Readings of Documentary Film and Video Grant, Barry, Keith; Sloniowski, Jeannette [Used - Very good] [Softcover]
Book Summary
Documenting the Documentary is an edited collection of close readings of influential documentary films and videos. Each chapter analyzes a specific work, offering students and scholars models for critical interpretation. Used in film studies courses, it combines theoretical rigor with accessible analysis, making it a valuable resource for understanding documentary form, style, and ideology.
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About Documenting the Documentary: Close...
Documenting the Documentary: Close Readings of Documentary Film and Video, edited by Barry Keith Grant and Jeannette Sloniowski, is a foundational anthology in film studies. It brings together essays that provide detailed, scene-by-scene analyses of key documentaries, from Nanook of the North to contemporary works. Each chapter serves as a model of close reading, demonstrating how to examine formal techniques, narrative strategies, and ideological implications. The collection covers a wide range of documentary modes and historical periods, making it an essential text for courses on documentary film. This used softcover edition remains a standard reference for students and scholars seeking to deepen their analytical skills and understanding of the documentary genre.
Who should read Documenting the Documentary: Close...?
This book is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students in film studies, media studies, and communication programs, as well as scholars researching documentary. It suits instructors seeking exemplary close readings to assign, and cinephiles interested in rigorous analysis of classic and contemporary documentaries. Anyone wanting to learn how to critically interpret documentary form and ideology will benefit from this collection.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Provides in-depth close readings of key documentaries, serving as models for analysis
- ✓ Covers a diverse range of films, periods, and documentary modes
- ✓ Edited by respected scholars in the field, ensuring academic rigor
- ✓ Accessible yet sophisticated, suitable for both students and researchers
- ✓ Includes essays on canonical works, making it a comprehensive teaching resource
Cons
- ✗ Some essays may assume prior knowledge of film theory
- ✗ Lacks coverage of very recent documentaries due to publication date
- ✗ Not a how-to guide; focuses on analysis rather than production
- ✗ May be too specialized for general readers
- ✗ Used copies may have highlighting or wear
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Frequently asked questions
Is this book a textbook or a collection of essays?
It is an edited collection of scholarly essays, each offering a close reading of a specific documentary. It is commonly used as a textbook in film studies courses.
Does it cover recent documentaries?
The book was originally published in 1998, so it primarily covers documentaries up to the late 1990s. It does not include very recent works.
Is this suitable for self-study?
Yes, but some familiarity with film analysis concepts is helpful. The essays are accessible, but beginners may need supplementary introductory material.
What condition is this used copy in?
The listing describes it as 'Used - Very good' softcover, meaning it may show minor wear but is generally clean and intact.
Does the book include filmographies or bibliographies?
Individual essays typically include notes and references, and the collection may have a general bibliography, but it is not primarily a reference list.
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