I've always been a connoisseur of documentary film and rarely do I read fiction opposed to non-fiction. Learning about the actions and habits of society, whether opinionated or not, has always intrigued me. It appears documentary film is rising in popularity. Not surprising due to the rise of Reality TV, they fit right in. Documentaries have allowed those with a story and small voice to speak aloud. Unfortunately, unless you live in a big city you may never get a chance to listen. Some documentaries on the horizon include:

Some past favorites:

Comments

Nick Fletcher

I love watching documentaries myself. They're always a great learning experience. It is important to realize that the opinions of producers can often get in the way of delivering the true facts.I don't think I can ever watch a Michael Moore "documentary" without wondering whether it's the truth or not. If you're wondering what I'm talking about, there are a few websites and even a documentary dedicated to pointing out the numerous distortions in his movies. Truth about Bowling for Columbine Moore Exposed MooreWatch.com MooreLies.com Michael Moore Hates America (documentary) I hate to burst anyone's bubble about Michael Moore but it's hard to ignore the things these researchers have discovered.I hope this surge of popularity for documentaries doesn't cause an equal surge of fiction posing as fact.

Adam Polselli http://www.adampolselli.com

I completely agree that documentaries are on the rise. They're just so interesting, and a much-needed break from the crap that the media loves to spew over and over again. It's great to get the other side of the story. I am SO excited for The Corporation. I bet it's a hit!

Charles G

Spellbound is also another exceptional documentary (who woulda thunk a documentary on the national spelling bee could be so good?)And you'd probably have to strap me to a chair clockwork-orange-style to get me to watch another Micahel Moore documentary =/

david g

winged migration was released last year, it's been available on video/dvd at my local video store for a good few months now. awesome movie!

david g

oh, one more highly recommended documentary from 2003... devil's playground, which is about amish teenagers on their 'year off'. should definitely be on your list.

Durandal

Documentary roots are deeper than a single filmmakers drive to expose the dark side of politics----With Moore this is ever so true, which is why it should be published under fiction (as with many "political documetaries").Tell me, what is the punishment for academic dishonesty in college? What if you made up a quote or information to make it fit the story you wanted others to see. This is Moore's legacy. While I agree that controversy does create publicity. If people did not challenge Moore's fiction, then the same state which allowed gerbes to rise would take hold. (this would apply to any artist or author, by the way)A prime example of Moore fiction is his current book: Stupid White Men. In the book, he quotes Fred Barnes (editor of the weekly standard) as not knowing what the illiad or the inferno were. This came after in 1988 Barnes made a comment supporting Bill Bennett's theory that high school curriculum should be dominated by Greek and English literature.One problem, the interview with Barnes never happened. Moore made up the interview entirely. I am sure Moore's works hold some entertainment value for some. With all things we must challenge and take the author's intent.It is through that looking glass that we can best evaluate their work. Whether it is Ann Coulter or Micheal Moore, all must be gauged with equal levels of skepticism. My self, I prefere watching R. Lee Ermey on Mail Call or other such documentries on the history channel. For the most part, they do a good job of telling the whole story and keeping historical perspective. One wonders if the truth will be told about Reagan in 50 or 100 years. Were you old enough to remember what that man endured and did for the world while that same instition scoffed at him. Wether it was SDI, Intermediate nuclear range missiles or the rebuilding of the American military. If you think iraq protest were bad, you do not remember the millions across the world or even in Europe who protested against those policies. Yet it was those same policies which ensured freedom and liberty for those same millions across the globe. Mikhail Gorbachev said it best."I view Reagan as a great president," said Gorbachev, adding that his dialogue with Reagan "kick-started the process whichultimately put an end to the Cold War"."I do not know how other statesmen would act in his place at the time. Reagan, who was considered ultra-conservative, dared thosesteps and that was his strength."(can be found here: http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/swissinfo.html?siteSect=143&... how history repeats its self. My only question is where are the thatchers and Kohls. (well, blair is out there)I guess what I am trying to say in all that is this.You are 100% correct, the roots of documentaries are deeper than the fiction of an individual writer. They serve as a platform for those of us who study history to learn. However, we view them through the tinted windows which historians (or artist) paint the works. Those windows are determined by the individuals drive, method and goal. We must be critical in our analysis. Thank God we can think for our selves.

Nathan Borror http://www.playgroundblues.com/

It's funny how much attention Michael Moore actually gets. It's like each time Eminem releases a new CD. Ironically all the negative, free publicity gains an audience. Documentary roots are deeper than a single filmmakers drive to expose the dark side of politics. I plan on renting Spellbound and Winged Migration this week. I forgot to mention another film on the horizon, Coffee and Cigarets. Looks very good!

Nathan Borror http://www.playgroundblues.com/

Jamie: Wow, I'm definitely going to check out Touching the Void. I remember watching an interview with one of the climbers a while back but forgot about the movie. Thanks for reminding me!

Jamie

A couple of great film makers not mentioned yet - Nick Bloomfield and Kevin MacDonald - the latter the director of the recent Touching the Void, a film that defies anyone to sit the fuck up and grab life by the balls.