According to Biressi and Nunn (2005), “realism depends on notions of suffering, raw experience and personal struggle as emblem of the real” (p. 36). As human beings, we tend to look for things or people that we can identify ourselves with. Reality TV and/or documentary-styled television programme are particular genres that audiences tend to identify with the most; due to its closeness to realism. Also Biressi and Nunn (2005) reports three different documenting styles that help portray the lives of ordinary people such as, Direct Cinema, cinéma vérité, and Free Cinema.
Direct Cinema refers to the relationship between a director and the audience. A single camera is used to capture footage from a particular point of view, therefore the audience can experience what a filmmaker is trying to convey by being one with the camera. Background noise, or ambience, is not edited out to enhance the experience. Cinéma vérité is the style of a director appearing in their film, interacting with film subjects; for good or for worse. Biressi and Nunn (2005) mentions the difference between Direct Cinema and cinéma vérité is that the former is done for the purpose of an unplanned climax, while the latter cuts to the chase, portraying its expected climax to the viewers. Free Cinema is more of a raw take on the other two styles. Hand cameras are used more, and “real locations” are shot at. In relation to that statement, Biressi and Nunn (2005) states that ‘Free Cinema’ styled documentaries are of a lower budget than the average film, and instead of shooting on set in a studio, “real locations” such as outside on the streets is more of a preferred location.
Cathy Come Home, directed by Ken Loach, was a BBC television play that aired in England in 1966. It was centred on Cathy and her ordeals after her husband’s injury; leading to his inability to continue working, eventually losing his job. Homelessness is the main issue in the film, and although it has fictional characters, the issue of the film is non-fictional. I would describe this film to be a cross-breed of Free Cinema and Direct Cinema. Certain angles and “real locations” are what link to the former, while the latter is the style of the film. Cathy narrates the film, making it seem even more real. The issue of ‘homelessness’ is such a human problem, that the reality of it appealed to the masses.
References
Biressi, A. & Nunn, N. (2005). Real lives, documentary approaches. Reality TV: realism and revelation. (pp. 35-58). London: Wallflower.
Garnett, T. (Producer), & Loach, K. (Director). (1966). Cathy Come Home. United Kingdom: BBC.
Good, thanks Nishta
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