The Rise of the Direct Cinema Movement
The 1960s saw the birth of the direct cinema movement, which
aimed to capture reality as objectively as possible 'Observational Docs'. This approach, popularised
by filmmakers like Robert Drew and Richard Leacock, influenced the documentary
scene throughout the following decades. Direct cinema (cinema verité) techniques, such as using
handheld cameras and minimal narration, gave documentaries a more intimate and
authentic feel.
The French term "cinema verité" (truthful cinema)
became synonymous with a style of documentary filmmaking that emphasized
observation over manipulation. By immersing themselves in their subjects'
lives, filmmakers were able to capture raw, unfiltered moments that provided a
glimpse into the human experience.
