Traditional documentaries were once characterized by narration resembling newsreels, serving as educational films. However, in the 1950s, filmmakers sought to enhance the documentary genre. This led to the emergence of cinéma vérité, a style of observational filmmaking that prioritizes a genuine and unscripted feel. Unlike traditional documentaries, events are not staged for the camera; instead, the story is discovered during the editing process. Educators using films as a teaching tool can explore cinéma vérité to acquaint students with a filmmaking approach that prioritizes authenticity over scripted narratives.
Origins of Cinéma Vérité
Cinéma vérité, a term coined by French filmmaker Jean Rouch, emerged during the French New Wave Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. The need for a change in filmmaking approach arose as film and audio equipment became increasingly cumbersome and expensive to transport outside the studio, as highlighted by Master Class. The early 1960s witnessed a transformative moment with the introduction of handheld cameras, providing filmmakers with a more accessible means to authentically capture the real world.
In the spirit of cinéma vérité, filmmakers adopted a hands-off approach to shaping the narrative. Instead, they allowed the subjects of the film to express themselves without external influence. Notable figures at the forefront of this movement included Robert Drew, Richard Leacock, and D.A. Pennebaker. This shift in filmmaking philosophy marked a departure from the controlled studio environment, enabling a more intimate and genuine portrayal of the world through the lens of a handheld camera.
Elements of Cinéma Vérité
Cinéma vérité, a distinctive form of documentary filmmaking, is characterized by six key elements that set it apart. The first element emphasizes filming on location to infuse the movie with the realism it requires. Opting for non-professional actors enhances the authenticity of the film, steering away from the recognition associated with A-list actors.
The second element involves the use of handheld shots, leveraging lighter cameras, microphones, or even personal devices like a phone, as demonstrated in the film Tangerine (2015). This not only reduces costs but also enhances mobility during the filming process.
The third element advocates for proximity to the action, encouraging filmmakers to get close enough to achieve intimacy and discover beauty in the seemingly mundane aspects of the subject matter.
The fourth element underscores the importance of capturing unscripted action and dialogue. Rather than directing subjects on how to behave on camera, cinéma vérité encourages the documentation of natural, unaltered moments without interference.
The fifth element urges filmmakers to delve into social and political issues, allowing the film to resonate with audiences. The narrative emerges during the editing process, unveiling a message that aligns with the captured footage.
The sixth element emphasizes the use of natural lighting, recognizing that the time of day contributes to the authenticity of the story. By incorporating these six elements, cinéma vérité filmmakers create a unique and genuine portrayal of their subjects, forging a distinct path in the realm of documentary filmmaking.
Examples of Cinéma Vérité
One example of a film that you can add to your movie library that incorporates cinéma vérité is Grey Gardens (1975). This documentary offers a glimpse into the daily lives of two aging and eccentric relatives of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. The film follows a unique approach, devoid of a structured plot, interviews, or a script. Filmmakers Albert and David Maysles demonstrated a notable level of trust in their subjects, allowing them the freedom to unfold their lives naturally on screen.
Another impactful documentary, Titicut Follies (1967), delves into the unsettling realities within the Bridgewater State Hospital for the Criminally Insane in Massachusetts. The audience becomes witnesses to the distressing treatment of inmates who were meant to be under care. Captured in a span of 29 days, the footage portrays scenes of stripping, force-feeding, and bullying. Despite facing a ban a year after its release, a 1991 ruling deemed it suitable for public domain use, ensuring its accessibility to audiences.
Bob Dylan: Don’t Look Back (1967) captures Bob Dylan's transformative musical journey during a tour, showcasing his evolution from folk to rock. The audience is granted behind-the-scenes access to Dylan's life, glimpsing into his backstage moments at concerts and the quiet interludes in hotel rooms between performances. The documentary takes a particularly revealing turn as it documents Dylan's creative process while working on his Blonde on Blonde album, providing viewers with a fresh perspective on the iconic artist.
In addition to the exploration of Dylan's musical metamorphosis, the film collection also includes An American Family (1973). This documentary series unfolds the lives of the Louds, an upper-middle-class family residing in Santa Barbara, California. Originally intended as a portrayal of the daily life of a typical family, it transforms into controversial viewing as it captures the groundbreaking moments of one of the sons coming out as gay—a narrative seldom depicted on-screen in the 1970s. The series also portrays the divorce of Bill and Pat Loud, marking a significant departure from the conventions of that era. An American Family is credited with ushering in the era of reality TV, setting the stage for a new genre of television programming.
How to Film Your Own Cinéma Vérité Project
If you aim to incorporate cinéma vérité into your filmmaking, opt for the most portable and budget-friendly camera at your disposal. Be vigilant in identifying compelling subjects capable of conveying significant themes for your film. Develop a plan outlining what to capture and engage with, utilizing your natural surroundings to authentically depict the truth in your movie. Embrace the freedom to follow your subjects with your camera, recognizing that capturing life requires immersion in the moment. Above all, focus on discovering the heart, tension, and emotion inherent in the moments you choose to film.
It's crucial to distinguish cinéma vérité from traditional documentaries. Unlike documentaries with predetermined purposes and messages outlined before filming begins, cinéma vérité allows the film to unfold naturally, letting it speak for itself.