Another quick blog post here, a quick list of my favourite feature length documentaries, they can be just as powerful as fictional film and tell a story in a completely different way to the viewer I think in some cases they can be just as aesthetically pleasing as a film especially when they capture a moment of spontaneity or natural beauty. I think a great Documentary should challenge your perceptions and inform at the same time, Also a good documentary doesn’t necessarily have to involve any formal interviews or talking heads although the art of good questioning can make you connect emotionally to a interview and bring out the best or worst in people.
Would love to hear your thoughts and again the list is in no particular order.
1. We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1824254/
Brilliant insight into the world of WikiLeaks and Julian Assange. Although it has earned significant criticism from Assange’s fans, We Steal Secrets is an insightful documentary, arousing sympathy for the Wikileaks cause while remaining critical of Julian Assange. Informative giving a chronological narrative from Assange’s early years to starting WikiLeaks throught to the Bradley Manning scandal whilst following the organisation through the release of US government cables. Hands down better than The Fifth Estate.
2. Side By Side
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2014338/?ref_=nv_sr_2
Side By Side investigates the history, process and workflow of both digital and photochemical film creation. Interviews with top Directors, Cinematographers, Actors, Colourists and Editors they reveal their experiences and feelings about working with film and digital. Where we are now, how we got here and what the future may bring. the documentary charts the transition from film to digital and and visa versa whether it benefits of hinders the creative process.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1587707/
The story of how an eccentric French shop keeper and amateur film maker attempted to locate and befriend Banksy, only to have the artist turn the camera back on its owner. The film contains footage of Banksy, Shephard Fairey, Invader and many of the world’s most infamous graffiti artists at work.
4. War Photographer
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0309061/
Documentary about war photographer James Nachtwey, considered by many the greatest war photographer ever.
5. Fahrenheit 9/11
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361596/
Michael Moore’s view on what happened to the United States after September 11; and how the Bush Administration allegedly used the tragic event to push forward its agenda for unjust wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Cheers
Alex A
Depth Of Field 
