At its core, documentary cinematography is a delicate balance between artistic expression and factual representation. It requires not only technical proficiency but also a keen eye for storytelling and an ability to adapt to unpredictable situations.
Balancing Artistic Expression with Factual Representation
Documentary cinematographers face a unique challenge: they must create visually compelling images while staying true to the reality they're capturing. As Oscar-winning documentarian Errol Morris puts it, "There's no reason why documentary films can't be as personal, as character-driven, as fictional films. And there's no reason why fictional films can't have the breadth and depth of great documentaries."1
This balance is crucial. While a beautifully composed shot can enhance the emotional impact of a scene, it should never distort the truth of what's being documented. For instance, in the groundbreaking documentary "The Cove" (2009), the cinematographers used high-tech equipment to capture covert footage of dolphin hunting. While the resulting images were dramatic, they were also an accurate representation of the events, leading to significant real-world impact.2
Technical Skills vs. Storytelling Abilities
Successful documentary cinematography requires a combination of technical expertise and storytelling intuition. On the technical side, cinematographers must be proficient with a wide range of equipment and techniques. This includes understanding camera operations, lighting setups, and audio recording, often in challenging and unpredictable environments.
However, technical skills alone are not enough. As legendary documentarian Albert Maysles once said, "The best cinematography is one that's not noticeable."3 This means having the storytelling ability to know when to move the camera, when to hold a shot, and how to frame a scene to best convey its emotional and informational content.
For example, in the documentary "Free Solo" (2018), which follows rock climber Alex Honnold's attempt to scale El Capitan without ropes, the cinematographers had to balance capturing breathtaking wide shots of the climb with intimate close-ups that revealed Honnold's emotions. This required not just technical skill in operating cameras in extreme conditions, but also the storytelling intuition to know which shots would best convey the magnitude of Honnold's feat and his internal struggle.4
The Role of the Cinematographer in Documentary Filmmaking
In documentary filmmaking, the role of the cinematographer extends beyond just operating the camera. They are often deeply involved in the storytelling process, working closely with the director to shape the visual narrative of the film.
Documentary cinematographers must be adaptable, thinking on their feet and making quick decisions as events unfold. They need to anticipate action, position themselves for the best shots, and often operate with minimal equipment. As cinematographer Kirsten Johnson, known for her work on documentaries like "Citizenfour" and "The Oath," explains, "In documentary, you're always trying to be in the right place at the right time, and you never know when that's going to be."5
Collaboration with Directors and Subjects
Effective documentary cinematography also requires strong collaborative skills. Cinematographers must work closely with directors to understand and execute their vision, while also bringing their own creative ideas to the table.
Moreover, they often need to build trust with the subjects of the documentary. This can be particularly challenging in sensitive situations or when dealing with vulnerable populations. The ability to make subjects feel comfortable in front of the camera, while still capturing authentic moments, is a crucial skill for documentary cinematographers.
For instance, in the making of "The Act of Killing" (2012), a documentary about the perpetrators of the Indonesian genocide, cinematographer Carlos Arango de Montis had to work closely with both the director and the subjects to create a visual style that blended reality with the subjects' reenactments of their crimes. This required not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of the film's complex ethical and emotional landscape.6
Key Takeaway: Successful documentary cinematography requires a delicate balance between technical expertise and storytelling intuition, along with the ability to collaborate effectively and adapt to unpredictable situations.
Footnote
- Morris, Errol. (2015). Interview with IndieWire. ↩︎
- O'Barry, Ric. (2010). "Behind the Scenes of 'The Cove'". National Geographic. ↩︎
- Maysles, Albert. (2005). Interview with The Guardian. ↩︎
- Chin, Jimmy & Vasarhelyi, Elizabeth Chai. (2018). "Free Solo" Director's Commentary. ↩︎
- Johnson, Kirsten. (2016). Interview with No Film School. ↩︎
- Oppenheimer, Joshua. (2013). "The Act of Killing" Director's Statement. ↩︎