Learning Path
LCA Film Studies - Documentaries Learning Path
By Dara Hogan
A selection of documentaries or trailers from the suggested documentary section of the LCA English and Communication Module Descriptor
10 resources in this Learning Path
1
Stop at Nothing: The Lance Armstrong Story directed by Alex Holmes
https://watchdocumentaries.com/stop...-nothing-the-lance-armstrong-story/ Added: 17 Dec 2021 Contributor: Dara Hogan Resource type:'Stop at Nothing: The Lance Armstrong Story explores the stories surrounding one of the most famous sporting scandals of all time. It dives into the life, career, successes, accusations, testimonies, lies, cheating, and other intriguing facets of disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong’s unbelievable story. It investigates the rises and falls, and the truth and lies of this nearly inconceivable story.
With huge reveals from former friends, acquaintances, and even past team members, this BBC film documents the truth behind Armstrong’s infamous disparagement, one that drove millions of cancer sufferers to view and idolise him as a miraculous cancer-surviving icon. Sifting through details about drugs, bullying, cheating and more, director Alex Holmes meticulously uncovers the truth behind one of the most incredible and tragic sports dupes in history.'
How it maps to the curriculum
- LCA
- English and Communications
Strand: 3. Communication in Media
Strand unit: 4. Film Studies
Suggestions for use: A fascinating documentary that explores the issue of steroid use within professional sport. Utilizes many of the typical techniques of documentaries such as archive footage, news footage and interviews. Could be used in a transdisciplinary manner with Active Leisure Studies and Social Education.
2
Blackfish directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite.
https://watchdocumentaries.com/blackfish/ Added: 17 Dec 2021 Contributor: Dara Hogan Resource type: Primary Source'Blackfish tells the story of Tilikum, a captive orca whale that has been involved in the deaths of several people, including its trainer at SeaWorld. The documentary exposes the ill-treatment of orcas in captivity and issues within the sea-park industry while highlighting the controversy and consequences of keeping killer whales in captivity.
Shown through a series of interviews with former SeaWorld trainers, animal expert and neuroscientist Lori Marino, and actual footage of captive orca attacks, Blackfish explains how the extreme stress caused by both the capture of orcas in the wild, and the separation of the mothers and calves after breeding in captivity is extremely harmful to these majestic creatures, and in some cases can drive them to kill.'
How it maps to the curriculum
- LCA
- English and Communications
Strand: 3. Communication in Media
Strand unit: 4. Film Studies
Suggestions for use: An excellent example of a documentary film which displays many of the attributes of a documentary including archive footage, recreations, interviews. Would work well as a transdisciplinary link with Social Education eg an investigation into keeping animals in captivity. Contains some graphic depictions of whale attacks and injuries to whales which some viewers may find distressing. From the list of suggested documentaries in the Module Descriptor.
3
Blackfish directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite - Official Website
https://www.blackfishmovie.com/ Added: 17 Dec 2021 Contributor: Dara Hogan Resource type: Guide/notes / Reference / Primary Source / Secondary SourceOfficial Website of the documentary film 'Blackfish' directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite. Contains a synopsis, interviews with the film makers and the original article that inspired the film.
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
- LCA
- English and Communications
Strand: 3. Communication in Media
Strand unit: 4. Film Studies
Suggestions for use: A helpful addition to a viewing of the documentary. Shows how written articles can inspire films. Would be useful for students wishing to do further research into the topics raised by the film or animal welfare in general. Transdisciplinary links with social education. Some viewers may find the material distressing.
4
'Amy' directed by Asif Kapadia - Official Trailer
https://youtu.be/A97-pQJD6Hw Added: 17 Dec 2021 Contributor: Dara Hogan Resource type: Audio / Video / Primary Source'Amy is a 2015 British documentary film directed by Asif Kapadia and produced by James Gay-Rees. The film covers British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse's life and her struggle with substance abuse, both before and after her career blossomed, and which eventually caused her death.' - Wikipedia
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
- LCA
- English and Communications
Strand: 3. Communication in Media
Strand unit: 4. Film Studies
Suggestions for use: Useful as an introduction to the film to allow for student choice. Typical features of a documentary such as archive footage, voice overs and music. Possible transdisciplinary links with Music and Social Education. Deals with issue of substance abuse.
5
Hoop Dreams Education Pack
http://assets.hotdocs.ca/doc/HD16_DFS_EDPKG_HOOPDREAMS_FA.pdf Added: 17 Dec 2021 Contributor: Dara Hogan Resource type: Lesson Plan / Reference / Textbook / Secondary Source / Worksheet / Scheme Of WorkAn education pack to accompany a viewing of the documentary Hoop Dreams, includes synopsis, information about the film makers and guided discussion topics.
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
- LCA
- English and Communications
Strand: 3. Communication in Media
Strand unit: 4. Film Studies
Suggestions for use: A useful guide to a viewing of the documentary 'Hoop Dreams'. Places the film in its racial and socioeconomic context. Includes links to other useful websites.
6
Hoop Dreams directed by Steve James,
https://watchdocumentaries.com/hoop-dreams/ Added: 17 Dec 2021 Contributor: Dara Hogan Resource type: Audio / Video / Primary Source'Hoop Dreams tells the story of two young men in Chicago who are trying to realize their dream of playing professional basketball. William Gates and Arthur Agee are forced to endure radical changes to their lives in pursuit of basketball glory. The process each young man goes through ultimately provides unique insights into race and poverty.
Gates and Agee are taken from a poor upbringing in the projects of Chicago and thrust into a competitive basketball program at one of Illinois’ premier schools. They must deal with 90-minute rides to and from school, a tough practice schedule, and academic challenges. Hoop Dreams is an in-depth look at professional sports as a golden ticket for many young people who have limited options for advancement in America.'
How it maps to the curriculum
- LCA
- English and Communications
Strand: 3. Communication in Media
Strand unit: 4. Film Studies
Suggestions for use: A very interesting documentary which looks at the intersection of race, sport, education and money in the USA. Could be interesting to look at in conjunction with the graphic novel 'Long Way Down'. Utilises interviews, archive footage and other typical features of documentary making. At 2 hrs 50 mins long it may be challenging for some viewers. Potential transdisciplinary links with Social Education and Active Leisure Studies.
7
Man on Wire directed by James Marsh.
https://watchdocumentaries.com/man-on-wire/ Added: 15 Dec 2021 Contributor: Dara Hogan Resource type: Primary Source'Man On Wire relates the true story of Philippe Petit’s famous high-wire walk between the World Trade Center’s twin towers on August 7th, 1974. His awe-inspiring feat turned him into a media sensation. Petit’s adventure started at a young age, when he began studying magic tricks and performed on the city streets to entertain tourists. At sixteen, he discovered his passion for tightrope walking and trained in the art for a year. One day, while waiting in a dentist’s office in Paris, Petit came across an article about the project plan for New York’s twin towers along with a graphical illustration of the buildings. He suddenly knew that he had to conquer them. The film follows his story and explores his motivation and ambition to fulfil his dream of walking across the towers.
The first part of Man On Wire introduces the audience to the World Trade Center. Historical footage of the construction of the towers is shown, with workers, cranes and trucks working together to build the colossal structures. It looks like a puzzle – a really good one. The documentary is entirely related to Philippe Petit and has nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks. In fact, the attacks are not even mentioned in the movie. This was a good decision, since it had nothing to do with Petit’s stunt. However, some people may interpret this movie in a different way: Petit has proven that the two towers could also be conquered by practice and bravery, rather than through a military attack.
Produced by James Marsh, Man On Wire contains exclusive footage from Petit’s personal collection of videos and pictures. But the film is more than that. The director has also reconstructed parts of the story with actors. One of the fascinating things we learn is the great lengths Petit and his crew went through to ensure the stunt would go according to plan. He posed as a journalist to gain access to the roof during reconnaissance missions and convinced an insider to forge security passes. On the night before the walk, Petit and his partner were almost spotted by a security guard. They quickly hid underneath a tarpaulin on a beam perched above an elevator shaft with a 400m drop beneath them. They waited for hours, daring not to move nor breathe a word until the guard left. Man On Wire is full of suspense. The action goes back and forth when least expected and keeps the viewer captivated.'
How it maps to the curriculum
- LCA
- English and Communications
Strand: 3. Communication in Media
Strand unit: 4. Film Studies
Suggestions for use: One of the suggested documentaries from the Module Descriptor. Much of the film is in French with subtitles so could work well as a transdisciplinary text. Has also been adapted as a feature film - 'The Walk' directed by Robert Zemeckis so students could compare the same story told as a documentary and as a biopic.
8
When We Were Kings - Trailer
https://youtu.be/uBauogNmRqY Added: 17 Dec 2021 Contributor: Dara Hogan Resource type: Audio / Video / Primary Source'When We Were Kings is a 1996 American documentary film directed by Leon Gast about the "Rumble in the Jungle" heavyweight championship match that was held on October 30, 1974, in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) between world heavyweight champion George Foreman and Muhammad Ali. It features archival footage of celebrities, including James Brown, B.B. King, and promoter Don King, in the lead-up to the fight and accompanying Zaire 74 music festival, alongside interview footage of Norman Mailer, George Plimpton, Spike Lee and Thomas Hauser from the 1990s' - wikipedia
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
- LCA
- English and Communications
Strand: 3. Communication in Media
Strand unit: 4. Film Studies
Suggestions for use: Useful as an introduction to the film. Allows for student choice. Many typical features of documentary films such as the use of archive footage, interviews, music. Potential transdisciplinary links with Active Leisure Studies, Music and Social Education.
9
'Bowling for Columbine' directed by Michael Moore
https://watchdocumentaries.com/bowling-for-columbine/ Added: 17 Dec 2021 Contributor: Dara Hogan Resource type: Audio / Video / Primary Source'Bowling for Columbine by Michael Moore takes a deeper look into the shocking events that transpired during the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, from those responsible for the attack to the countless lives that were lost during it.
The documentary explores the possible root causes for unnecessary gun violence, in particular the social factors contributing to its perpetuation. It specifically seeks to understand the psycho-social patterns that could have existed during the series of events that led to the Columbine High School massacre. Bowling for Columbine features interviews with former classmates and well-known personalities who provide an insight on the behaviour and disposition of the people involved in the killings.'
How it maps to the curriculum
- LCA
- English and Communications
Strand: 3. Communication in Media
Strand unit: 4. Film Studies
Suggestions for use: An award winning documentary that looks at the issue of gun culture and high-school shootings in America. Uses typical features of documentary including news footage, interviews and music. Strong directorial presence as Moor appears in the film himself as interviewer and author. Could be used in a transdisciplinary manner with Social Education.
10
Waltz with Bashir directed by Ari Folman.
https://youtu.be/O9h7vIJ3Bik Added: 17 Dec 2021 Contributor: Dara Hogan Resource type: Primary Source'Waltz with Bashir (Hebrew: ואלס עם באשיר, translit. Vals Im Bashir) is a 2008 Israeli adult animated war documentary drama film written, produced and directed by Ari Folman. It depicts Folman in search of his lost memories of his experience as a soldier in the 1982 Lebanon War.' - Wikipedia
Animated and subtitled.
How it maps to the curriculum
- LCA
- English and Communications
Strand: 3. Communication in Media
Strand unit: 4. Film Studies
Suggestions for use: An unusual and challenging film that blends memoir, documentary and animation.
