The Golden Age of Documentaries: Informing and Entertaining Audiences

Picture this: you're scrolling through your favorite streaming service and suddenly you're drawn into a gripping tale about a chess prodigy or a true-crime mystery. Welcome to the world of modern documentaries, where real-life stories rival Hollywood blockbusters.

If you've found yourself watching more and more documentaries lately, you're not alone. In fact, according to CMSI, the number of documentaries produced annually has more than tripled since 2000—that means there are plenty of us watching and that these once-classroom snoozers have become binge-worthy hits. 

This surge in popularity isn't just changing our watchlists; it's reshaping how we see the world around us. With documentaries now covering everything from true crime to social issues, and from nature to technology, they're offering viewers a wider range of perspectives and information than ever before. 

But how did we get here? And what does this documentary boom mean for viewers and society at large?  Read on as in this article, we'll explore:

• The evolution of documentary filmmaking

• The reasons behind their surge in popularity

• Their impact beyond entertainment

• The future of documentary filmmaking

By the end, you'll see why documentaries have become must-watch content and how they're shaping our world in unexpected ways.

Grab your popcorn and let’s get started, shall we?

The evolution of documentary filmmaking

The history of documentaries spans over a century, traced back to the European Enlightenment when visual documentation supported scientific exploration. However, it was the invention of the motion picture camera in the late 19th century that truly set the stage for documentaries as we know them today.

The term "documentary" itself was coined in 1926 by Scottish filmmaker John Grierson, who defined it as a "creative treatment of actuality." This definition emphasized the balance between capturing real life and allowing for artistic interpretation, a principle that continues to guide documentary filmmakers.

As the 20th century progressed, documentaries developed in several key ways:

• During World War II, governments utilized documentaries as powerful propaganda tools. Frank Capra's "Why We Fight" series for the U.S. Army exemplifies this era's approach to informational filmmaking.

• The 1960s saw the rise of Cinéma vérité and Direct Cinema movements. These styles emphasized observational techniques and the use of portable equipment to capture reality as it unfolded, offering viewers an unprecedented level of immediacy.

• In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, documentaries gained mainstream popularity. Films like "Fahrenheit 9/11" and "Super Size Me" not only informed audiences but also achieved significant commercial success.

Today, digital technology and streaming platforms have made documentaries more accessible and diverse than ever. High-definition cameras, drones, and advanced editing software allow filmmakers to create visually stunning and emotionally engaging works. Series like "Planet Earth" shows the potential of modern documentary techniques to captivate global audiences.

As technology continues to advance, so does the potential for documentary filmmaking. The emergence of virtual reality and interactive documentaries suggests that the genre will continue to evolve, finding new ways to inform, engage, and inspire viewers worldwide.

This technological revolution, however, is just one piece of the puzzle. 

Factors contributing to the documentary golden age

Why are documentaries booming, exactly? Here are some reasons:

• Services like Netflix and Amazon Prime have significantly increased the accessibility of documentaries; an extensive library of real-life stories is readily available to viewers.

• From intimate personal narratives like "Crip Camp" to global issues explored in "An Inconvenient Truth," the range of subjects covered is vast and varied and cater to a wide variety of interests.

• Filmmakers are now employing techniques previously reserved for high-budget feature films such as advanced editing or high-quality cinematography. "Free Solo" exemplifies this trend, offering not just a chronicle of a climber's feat but a visually stunning and suspenseful experience that rivals any action movie.

• Modern documentaries excel at blending information with entertainment. Filmmakers use storytelling techniques borrowed from fiction to keep viewers engaged. For instance, "Making a Murderer" unfolds like a mystery novel, keeping viewers hooked while presenting complex legal information.

• The best documentaries strike a careful balance between engaging storytelling and factual integrity. They use expert interviews, archival footage, and data visualization to support their narratives. "Inside Bill's Brain" demonstrates this balance, skillfully interweaving Bill Gates' personal story with complex global issues, resulting in an informative and captivating viewing experience.

• The involvement of high-profile personalities has brought increased attention to the genre. Celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, who has produced several climate change documentaries, and Beyoncé, with her release of "Homecoming," are leveraging their influence to highlight important issues through the documentary format.

Impact on society and culture

Because of this boom, documentaries have become powerful catalysts for social change and cultural dialogue. They offer viewers unique insights into issues that might otherwise remain obscure or misunderstood.

A prime example of this impact is the documentary "Blackfish," which exposed the treatment of orca whales in captivity. The film raised public awareness and led to tangible changes in the marine park industry. Following its release, SeaWorld experienced a significant decline in attendance and subsequently announced modifications to its orca programs, demonstrating the potential of documentaries to influence corporate policies and public opinion.

Moreover, documentaries are increasingly shaping conversations around critical social issues. "13th," sparked widespread discussions about racial inequality in the U.S. justice system, while "The Game Changers" has prompted many to reconsider their dietary choices. These films go beyond presenting facts; they challenge viewers to critically examine their perspectives on the world.

Documentaries also have the power to unite audiences through shared experiences. During the 2020 lockdowns, "The Last Dance" became a cultural phenomenon, providing sports enthusiasts with a common topic of interest when live events were suspended. This series exemplifies how documentaries can foster community engagement and stimulate discussions that extend far beyond the subject matter itself.

The future of documentaries

As documentaries evolve, new technologies are reshaping the viewer experience. Virtual reality projects like "Travelling While Black"  offer immersive journeys into other perspectives, while interactive formats, inspired by Netflix's "Bandersnatch", could allow viewers to explore different angles of a story. Serialized documentaries such as "Wild Wild Country" demonstrate how complex topics can unfold over multiple episodes. These innovations aim to turn passive viewing into active exploration of our world.

All this means that this surge in documentary production and viewership isn't just a passing trend. After all, they're not just entertaining; they're informing public opinion and sometimes driving tangible social change. Looking ahead, we’ll likely see more to come, as production speeds increase and audience appetite for immediate, substantive content grows. This shift could further cement documentaries' role as a powerful tool for public education and advocacy in our fast-paced, information-driven world.

So, if you haven’t started yet, consider venturing beyond the latest blockbuster and delve into the world of documentaries. You might discover a hidden gem that sparks your curiosity, challenges your perspectives, or even inspires you to make a difference. After all, the golden age of documentaries is far from over; it's just getting started.