2. How Racist are You
This documentary has many features which connote to the conventions of a documentary
as well as some specific channel 4 conventions. Firstly we see this through the camera
work. A key shot used in may documentaries is a medium close up or ‘head and shoulder
shot’, this generally occurs during interviews. The speaker covers 1/3 of the screen to one
side (most commonly the left), this allows the viewer to get a clear view of who is
speaking however it is not so close as to emphasise a specific expression, a generic
background suiting the speaker is also used, for example in ‘how racist are you’ when
interviewing a participant they use the background of room within their location.
This documentary connotes to the channel 4 documentary style in that it uses a voice
over with a high angle of the people present in the documentary, this long shot showing
them simply entering gives the viewer an idea of how many people are going to be
involved, the use of both genders and also a mixed amount of ethnicities , this gives them
instant proof that the documentary topic has been thoroughly researched to gain as much
accuracy as possible, this therefore means the documentary its self is more convincing to
the audience.
Extreme close ups were also used to specify areas specific to the documentary, in this
documentary eyes were being specified throughout therefore by using this emphasis their
importance to the viewers, various examples of eyes are used in order to emphasise the
variety of people being used and how they fit into specific categories.
3. Continued….
‘How Racist are You’ use many sound techniques such as voice over, the use of a voice over
allows the director to add in extra information about what is happening in the documentary
without having a presenter, this incorporates Nichols dour ‘Documentary modes of address’ –
Interactive Mode. This mode uses different kinds of dialogue and monologue thereby allowing
interviews to be used along side the voice over. Although the interviews will give the viewer a
more detailed view from people involved either professionally or emotionally to the topic the
voice over is key to moving the documentary along and giving a running commentary on the
actions performed on screen. This use of voice over works to reduce confusion for the viewer
and create a higher understanding for those watching. The tone of the voice over is key to be
creating the mood within the documentary, the voice over in this documentary is quite formal,
this is due to the subject at hand. Racism is a serious matter within society therefore and
informal tone would be inappropriate.
This documentary also uses non diegetic incidental music, this music is also used to portray
mood and tone within the documentary, this works to subtly support and accompany the voice
over’s mode of address.
Diegetic sounds are also used within cutaway images, these may include the sound of a clock
ticking, this works along side the image to show the passing of time or for suspension in some
cases when waiting for a result. This allows the viewer to become part of the documentary and
feel like they are involved in the life of the speaker, therefore gaining an emotional attachment
and intriguing them to learn more about the situation the documentary is focusing on.
4. Continued….
Editing is also used throughout the documentary, mostly motion picture editing is used.
Motion picture editing is the rearranging of visual audio material along with the addition of
music, sound and voice over, this is done to portray the images in a way that the viewer will
understand more easily. Continuity editing or ‘invisible editing’ would be used along side
this in order to portray to the reader that we are seeing exactly what the director did. It
allows us to feel like we are getting an insight into a the reality of a situation as opposed to a
false pretence that the director has created.
Cross cutting has also been used in this documentary, we see at various point the cutting
from the blue eyed participants within the room to the brown eyed participants in the
original room. This is done to show the contrast between the two, it works with the title by
showing the direct contrast between them and showing the complete split within the group
therefore giving the viewer a deeper understanding of how each side of the group are feeling.
Cut away images are also used repeatedly throughout, into his documentary they include
cutaway images of clock, this adds an element of suspense to the documentary as well as
showing the passing of time to allow the viewer to understand that the next image may not
be directly after.
5. Theory
‘How Racist are You’ represents a variety of different documentary styles including
‘Mixed Documentary’, these use a mix of interviews, observation and narration. The
narration works to report the information to give a balanced view rather than focussing
simply the interviews or observation. This documentary falls into this category due to it
having a voice over narration along with interviews from the participants and the
group leader, this allows us a constant update from either side and adds to the balance
furthering the understanding of the viewer. Observation is also used however with
images of conversations between participants, this allows the viewer to understand the
discussions between the groups therefore making it seem more realistic as opposed to
just the directors view of the situation.
Toderov’s theory is also present throughout the documentary, this theory of
equilibrium begins at the start of the documentary. We initially see everyone entering
and introducing themselves and what they are about to do. This gives a positive view of
the experiments about to take place. We then see this develop further and take a
negative appearance. The racism is promoted throughout the mid section of he
documentary with assessments and group, arguments occur and acts of discrimination
in order to prove a point. This all creates a negative effect. The results are then
evaluated and realisations made on the subconscious ideas we as humans have
therefore leaving the documentary with a developed view of the subject that was not
present at the beginning therefore restoring the equilibrium and supporting Toderov’s
theory.
