The Art of the Observer: A Personal View of Documentary

The art of the observer is a personal guide to documentary filmmaking that emphasizes observational filmmaking and the ways in which this approach is distinct from other forms of documentary. It offers practical insights and reflections on what it means to represent the lives of others and reveals that documentary cinema is not simply a matter of recording reality, but of artfully organizing the filmmaker's observations to reveal the complex patterns of social life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

The art of the observer is a comprehensive and insightful guide to documentary filmmaking, drawing upon the author's extensive experience in the fields of ethnographic and documentary cinema. In stark contrast to traditional academic film criticism and visual research methods handbooks, this book is grounded in concrete examples from the author's own filmmaking journey. It places a strong emphasis on observational filmmaking, highlighting its unique qualities and distinguishing it from other approaches to documentary storytelling.

The book offers a rich tapestry of practical insights and philosophical reflections on the profound emotional and intellectual implications of attempting to represent the lives of others. It delves into the complexities of capturing reality on film, emphasizing the artful organization of the filmmaker's observations to unveil the intricate tapestry of social life.

Through its engaging and accessible writing style, The art of the observer empowers aspiring documentary filmmakers with the tools and knowledge necessary to embark on their own creative journeys. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich and diverse world of documentary filmmaking, whether as a practitioner or a scholar.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526165350