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Capturing Reality: The Art of Documentary
Capturing Reality The Art of Documentary
Actors: Albert Maysles, Errol Morris, Alanis Obomsawin
Director: Pepita Ferrari
Genres: Special Interests, Documentary
NR     2009     1hr 30min

FEATURE: Approx 90 minutes — BONUS DISK: Approx 4 hours — From cinema-verite pioneers Albert Maysles and Joan Churchill to maverick moviemakers like Errol Morris, Werner Herzog and Nick Broomfield, some of the doc world's br...  more »

     
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Movie Details

Actors: Albert Maysles, Errol Morris, Alanis Obomsawin
Director: Pepita Ferrari
Genres: Special Interests, Documentary
Sub-Genres: Special Interests, Documentary
Studio: First Run Features
Format: DVD - Color,Widescreen
DVD Release Date: 10/20/2009
Release Year: 2009
Run Time: 1hr 30min
Screens: Color,Widescreen
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaDVD Credits: 2
Total Copies: 0
Members Wishing: 4
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Languages: English

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Movie Reviews

A Documentary ABOUT those who make documentaries
Steven I. Ramm | Phila, PA USA | 10/11/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is another class act from the National Film Board of Canada, which is continually winning awards for the quality of its productions. Director Pepita Ferrari interviewed 38 well-known documentarians for the core 97-minute film. You'll know a few like Errol Morris and Albert Maysles and you've probably seen a few of films covered, such as "Touching the Void". After watching this you'll probably head to your local video store (or Amazon) to seek out some more. The 163 film clips includes are just teasers.

I was thrilled to see that French Director Jean-Xavier de Lestrade was included. His two English language films - made for HBO - "Murder on a Sunday Morning" and "The Staircase" are two of my all-time favorites and I wanted to know more about him. (See my reviews of these films elsewhere on Amazon). The bonus features consist of additional interview segments and can be searched by topic or by the director's name. There's almost four hours worth! I did find the navigation of these segments a bit hard to maneuver but that was the only thing I found to be lacking in the DVD.

If you love watching documentaries, this is a DVD you must see. It explains both the thought process and the differing opinions among the filmmakers as to whether music is necessary and whether its appropriate to dramatize certain scenes. If you are new to the genre - maybe you have only seen hits like "Grey Gardens" or "Hoop Dreams" or "The Thin Blue Line" - consider this a starting place to explore further.

Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"
"
Documenting Documentaries
Amos Lassen | Little Rock, Arkansas | 10/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

""Capturing Reality: The Art of the Documentary"

Documenting Documentaries

Amos Lassen

I love a good documentary and a documentary about making documentaries is just the thing. Pepita Ferrari gives us interviews with 38 directors and 63 film clips as the documentary process is explored. The question that remains when the film is over is if it is possible for a film to capture reality. This is a guide to documentaries and a film about what documentaries are all about. We know that real life is as interesting of not more interesting than fiction and this film proves that. This is one of the most amazing films I have ever seen and I recommend it highly.
"
Good variety of viewpoints.
Thomas J. Murray | Sarasota, FL | 03/22/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)

"The DVD is arranged by topics with various individuals giving their perspective. Also included are conversations with filmmakers about their work and approach to making documentary film. It should be noted that this is produced by a Canadian group so filmmakers are largely from Canada. I think it offers a good insight into the way people approach their work leading you to learn that creating your own style is important. I would definitely recommend the DVDs for anyone serious interested in making documentaries."