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.
Presents an overview of the theoretical issues and critical debates around documentary, discusses the development of the main styles and approaches, and provides fascinating insight into the functions of documentary in film and television. The author also looks at the dual identity of work<-->as both artefact and as reference<-->in powerful documentary films and programs such as the classic 1930s films "Coalface, Housing Problems, Cathy Come Home", and "The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter." Distributed by St. Martin's Press. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
