The Power of Documentaries Comes from the Fact that They are Grounded in Fact, Not Fiction

Zengyue Yang

doi:10.54097/9k55f546

Authors

Zengyue Yang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/9k55f546

Keywords:

Documentary, Fiction Film, Authenticity, Social Change, Visual Representation

Abstract

This paper examines the distinctive power of documentaries compared to fiction films, emphasizing their authenticity. Documentaries are often perceived as more credible due to their use of real images and sounds, which leads audiences to trust the content presented. However, the author draws on multiple scholarly perspectives to argue that the truthfulness of documentaries can be subjective, much like that of fiction films. The paper also analyzes the educational and transformative roles of documentaries in society, highlighting key differences between documentaries and fiction films in terms of information dissemination, visual representation, and audience interaction. Through this analysis, the paper concludes that the strength of documentaries stems from their portrayal of the real world, setting them apart from the imaginative nature of fiction films.

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References

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