The documentary film is a genre which has connotations with "truth" and reality. ... However while the film may appear to begin as an essay film initially it soon becomes clear that Moore is using the film and the quest to confront GM chairman Roger Smith as a platform to promote his political views and his own brand of media activism. ... The documentary film or rather the documentary films produced by Moore and Broomfield provide a very effective means of self publicity and in Moore's case influencing opinion. ... In this sense films like "Bowling for Columbine" can only help his publ...

• Word Count: 2396
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Participatory documentaries rely on the filmmaker to be part of the film, making direct contact to the subjects, and having their presence influence the film. ... The archive photos and films help draw the audience into the story, by giving them visuals of the actual events. ... This aspect adds a real weight to the film, and seriously emotionally invests the audience into the story. ... The beginning of the film gives us insight into the lives and marriage of Ankie and eventual victim Andre Spitzer. ... While the film is a documentary, it almost identifies within the genre of a thriller, as i...

• Word Count: 1355
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate