Documentary Reccomendations

Hi!

Often underrated, I find documentaries to be a really interesting genre of filmmaking, as well as a great way to discover new information on a wide range of topics. In that spirit, below are some of my favourite documentaries I’ve seen over the past few years - for ease of access, they’re all on Netflix UK if you fancy checking them out for yourself. Enjoy!

Gaga: Five Foot Two

Following the life of Lady Gaga in the time leading up to her 2017 Superbowl Half-Time Show performance, the documentary shows a really interesting snapshot into both her life and the music industry in general. It's a very honest portrayal of how she spends her time - still including very real moments like how the chronic pain in her hip effects her life, as well as other emotional or vulnerable moments, and doesn't shy away from showing the effect her intense schedule has on her physical and emotional wellbeing, sometimes showing some of her 'diva' moments when the stress gets a bit to much. It's edited as a bit of a mish-mash of different things, but maintains a level of coherence and planning throughout; sometimes the 'plot' of biopic documentaries can struggle to be shown as the unpredictability of life gets in the way, but this one didn't have that problem. I came away having previously not know much about the inner workings of Gaga's life, instead having a new-found appreciation for her 'get shit done' attitude, as she knows what needs to be done to keep herself accountable to the high standard people hold her to, and isn't afraid to say what needs to be said to make that happen. 

Bowling For Columbine*

One of the first documentaries made by American filmmaker Michael Moore, lifetime NRA member who grew up in the gun-positive state, it displays a heartbreaking yet informative investigation into gun culture in America with a focus on the epidemic of school shootings, specifically the Columbine shooting of 1999. It's a very intense watch, especially obviously with the aftermath of the Florida shooting, but is really important in providing some context for each of the clashing mindsets over gun laws in America - it features a range of interviews from Columbine Survivors to Marilyn Manston to the leader of the NRA Charlton Heston. 

Gayby Baby

Set and filmed in Australia, this documents the lives of pre-teens as they go about their normal lives, growing up with same-sex parents. It goes into great detail on each different families parent styles, different priorities, different family styles. Obviously there are strong LGBT themes all the way through, but even so it's not made out to be such a huge deal, instead just being another element of their lives rather than a huge focus, which I suppose is because that's the reality. It ties in religion, politics, and many other important themes that are relevant to today's society. Each family has their own unique happenings - one is meeting with the Prime Minister of Australia in an effort to fight for LGBT equality, another documents moving to a different country and the struggle in adapting to a new life. Ultimately, this is a really lovely documentary about a child's audition to get into the performing arts school of her dreams, one boys passion for wrestling, and another's move to Fiji whilst he continues to develop his reading ability after a tricky start to life.

Blackfish 

Blackfish takes an in depth look at places such as SeaWorld, and their capture and supposed care of their biggest attraction, Killer Wales. The wales themselves, such as Tilikum (the largest whale held in captivity, who is also used as a breeding whale, having his DNA in 54% of the whales at SeaWorld), are often triggered into a psychosis due to these environments, which has resulted in the recent deaths of two trainers, each at different parks, as well as the many trainer injuries that have been caused as a result of the mindset the orcas find themselves trapped in. The documentary is really a call to arms over the deception and inhumanity caused by SeaWorld and accompanying parks. 

Paris Is Burning

Detailing LGBT culture of late 1980s New York City, specifically the ballroom scene, it details haus culture, racism, poverty and creating your own family. Featuring legendary drag queens such as Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeja and Dorian Corey, this documentary is essential viewing for members of the LGBT community as it teaches some important history and shows a huge part of culture - as well as for fans of RuPaul's Drag Race, as it shows the origins of many references and influences on the show.

Twinsters

A unique and heart warming true story of two girls - Samantha and Anais - an how their completely different lives suddenly change as they discover each others existence. Without spoiling it too much, the documentary is filmed from the perspective of predominantly Samantha, but also obviously ties in Anais's view as they finally start skyping and eventually meet. Each of the girls were born in South Korea, and each were adopted - Samantha by an American family and Anais by a French family, before moving to London to attend fashion school. I don't really want to say too much more about it; just trust me - go and watch.

Best Wishes
Mel

*Since I mentioned the horrible shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, I wanted to take some time at the end of this post to promote their efforts to make a change to US gun laws: 

#NeverAgain Student Walkout Against Gun Violence, Feb 21st at 12pm students have organised a walk out in order to protest, and have asked people to wear orange (the colour of the anti-gun movement).

#NeverAgain March on Washington, 24th March

#NeverAgain Student Walkout to mark the 19th anniversary of of Columbine, where students have again requested that people wear orange in order to promote the anti-gun movement.