‘Mummifying Alan: Egypt’s Last Secret’

Analysis

Type of documentary and its themes

• This documentary was a mixed documentary because it had a variety of content including: interviews, observation and narration.

• The main theme of the documentary was mummification as this is what it was focused on.

• Other themes were also science and history along with family values.

Narrative Structure

• The narrative structure of ‘Mummifying Alan’ was linear as it followed the story from the beginning. Although Alan is shown and heard in parts even though he is dead.

• It is a single strand narrative as it focuses on mummification.

• It also has a closed narrative because at the end of the programme all of the questions are answered.

Cinematography

• Conventional interview set up is used for the interviews: framing the subject to left or right of the frame.

• Close ups are used on significant objects. For example, close ups on Mummy’s came often and close ups on Alan were used throughout the documentary.

• Various shots were used on Alan including: ariel shots, tracking shots and depth of field.

Cinematography

• Establishing shots of Egypt were used at the beginning of the documentary to signify the importance of Egypt.

• There was also establishing shots of Sheffield and Torquay as they were significant cities in the documentary.

Mise-en-scene

• The main mise-en-scene is the laboratory and its plainness along with the science coats of the scientists and investigators.

• As said before, there is footage filmed in Egypt and this shows relevance to Egypt and where mummification started and what the documentary is about.

• Apart from these two main settings, there is some parts of the documentary filmed in homes and in some museums.

Sound

• The first piece of music used in the documentary was Egyptian music which proves relevance to the main themes.

• A standard English voice over is used to illustrate what is happening.

• Vox pops are used at the start of the programme to create enigma for the audience.

Sound

• Orchestral music is often used in the documentary to reflect on the theme of history.

• Alan’s voice is taken from interviews in the past and put as a voice over throughout the documentary as well.

Editing

• Mainly cuts are used.• CGI is used to show inside of Alan’s body and

the medical procedures that are not possible to see naturally. X-ray images are also used.

• As with the sound, Alan’s voice is put as a voice over, over images of his body.

• Fast motion is used to lapse time over establishing shots of the cities.

Archive Material

• There isn’t much archive material in this documentary apart from two things.

• Images of Stephen’s, the scientist, written analysis of mummification is shown highlighting certain important words.

• Also, actuality/handheld footage is taken from a female Egyptologist who films tombs in Egypt.

Graphics

• No graphics were used for interviewees or their relevance as the narrator explains it all.

• There are no graphics to indicate time or place either throughout the entire documentary.

• The only graphic used is the title in between adverts.