Movie screens, in the winter months, are typically occupied with fantastical epics like 2012 or Avatar and dramatic fare intended to capitalize on the upcoming award season, like Invictus. But a genre of film that is often neglected and forgotten in this season is the documentary.
Documentaries have certainly experienced a revitalization in the past few decades. Michael Moore (Bowling for Columbine), Morgan Spurlock (Super-Size Me), Errol Morris (The Fog of War) and Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) have all released very popular films that have achieved unprecedented critical and commercial success, and given the documentary a new level of visibility and importance (and that’s not even mentioning those cute little penguins and polar bears). However, for every blockbuster documentary there are many that go completely under the radar. Here are a few of the very best of this past decade that you simply should not miss (but probably did):
Encounters at the End of the World
Werner Herzog is a very unconventional director, as is evidenced early in Encounters when he expresses his disdain for the idea of making another movie about “fluffy penguins.” He doesn’t quite succeed – watch for the deeply haunting scene with the very fluffy penguin about halfway through this gorgeous meditation on the unique landscapes of Antarctica, and the equally unique people who work there.
Families talk about their efforts to reconcile their strong religious beliefs with the discovery that a family member is gay. Often hilarious but more often heartbreaking, this film explores the perceived clash between homosexuality and Christianity. But is perception reality?
The dramatic rise, fall and redemption of film producer Robert Evans (The Godfather, Chinatown) is presented almost entirely through surprisingly vivid and evocative photographs and film footage.
The King of Kong: A Fist Full of Quarters
The world of competitive video-gaming is full of cutthroat savants, experts of patience and persistence and all-around shady characters. Billy Mitchell, one of the most skilled gamers in the world and holder of many high-score records, embodies all of those traits. When nice-guy Steve Wiebe has the audacity to challenge Mitchell’s dominance, Mitchell goes to surprising lengths to retain his place at the top.
One of the most unique sports documentaries you’ll ever see – follow the U.S. Men’s Quadriplegic Wheelchair Rugby (you read correctly) team as they come to terms with their unusual experiences in life and as they face off against their brash, traitorous former coach.
Overbearing fathers, no-nonsense mothers and contestants ranging from hyperactive to coolly confident – spelling bees are so much fun! We discover the diverse backgrounds of eight spellers at the 1999 National Spelling Bee and fall a little in love with all of them. But sadly only one can win.
Not everyone was able to evacuate New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina made landfall. Follow Kim and Scott as they heroically endure Katrina’s devastation and cope with their uprooted lives in the aftermath – composed almost entirely of footage taken by these survivors themselves during and after the hurricane.
When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts
Spike Lee presents images and news footage of the lead-up, devastation and horrible repercussions of Hurricane Katrina and the government’s response. Interspersed with these images are interviews with New Orleans leaders and residents who express their despair, grief and anger. Maybe one of the saddest and most powerful documentaries you will ever see.
~Michael M.
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