The Art of Record: A Critical Introduction to Documentary

John Corner

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0719046874 ISBN 13: 9780719046872

Publisher: Manchester University Press, 1996

Documentary is a controversial and important area of media production. The art of record is a fascinating insight into the function of documentary in film and television. Its attempts to depict reality, and to comment on it, have provoked disagreement from the 1920s to the present day. Recent debates about knowledge and representation, and about the changing character of public culture, have increased its interest and relevance. John Corner presents a clear overview of the theoretical issues and critical debates around documentary, and discusses the development of the main styles and approaches, including dramadocs and fly-on-the-wall. He also looks at the dual identity of work in documentary as both artefact and as reference. The book provides a valuable detailed analysis of specific examples of powerful documentary films and programmes such as Cathy Come Home, Life and Times of Rosie the Rivetter and When the Dog Bites. -- .

Synopsis:

This work looks at the functions of documentary in film and television. Its attempts to depict reality and to comment on it have provoked disagreement from the 1920s to the present day. Recent debates about knowledge and representation, and about the changing character of public culture have increased its interest and relevance. The author presents a clear view of the theoretical issues and critical debates about documentary, and discusses the development of the main styles and approaches, including dramadocs and fly-on-the-wall. The book also looks at the dual identity of work in documentary as both artefact and as a reference. This work provides an analysis of specific examples of powerful documentary films and programmes such as: "Cathy Come Home" (whose presentation of homelessness and young women had enormous impact); "Life and Times of Rosie the Rivetter" (depicting the treatment of women in US factories during World War II); and "When the Dog Bites" (a view of life in the previously industrial town of Consett following the closure of the steel works).

About the Author:

Professor John Corner is Senior Lecturer in the School of Politics and Communication Studies at the University of Liverpool -- .