Reflexive Documentaries

What is a reflexive documentary?

Definition: In which the film maker acknowledges their presence – they are in front of the camera and give some narrative guidance.

Extra information:To aid the audience in their understanding of the process of construction in film so that they could develop a sophisticated and critical attitude.

Louis Theroux

Who is Louis Theroux?Louis Theroux is a British documentarian who is best known for his documentary television series. His most popular documentaries are; ‘Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends’ and ‘When Louis Met…’

He is a great example of a documentarian for reflexive documentaries. He’s very well known for his style od film making as he’s in front of the camera as a casual interviewer. He will sometimes take part in what the person he is documenting is doing, to get an inside look.

Nick Broomfield

Who is Nick Broomfield?Nick Broomfield is British documentary film maker commonly know for his reflexive style of documentaries.

He commonly film with very little camera crew or even films the documentaries on his own to make them seem more personal.

He has filmed many documentaries and is a great influence on the film making world.

How do reflexive documentaries engage the audience?

It allows the audience to see how the film is made and the pressure these documentarians are under when making these films. it also makes you aware of the issues a film maker has when making a documentary.

Reflexive documentaries are typically about real life things therefore they are truthful. There are no editing or special effects they are just filming real life.