I love Planet Earth, Life, and other documentaries that David Attenborough is associated with -- as much for the educational value as for the beautiful cinematography and show-not-tell approach. They're works of art in and of themselves. Are there any documentaries in a similar vein that focus on cities, architecture, landmarks, and other human creations? For example, it would be incredible to explore Tokyo through the same lens!
posted by archagon
on Jan 3, 2013 -
14 answers
I've watched almost all of Terry Jones's history documentaries--what next? What I like about them and what I'm looking for is mainly the humor (enthusiastic but lighthearted, not taking itself too seriously) and the element of looking at things from a different angle. Many of Jones's docs look at the lives of "regular people" in periods of history where most people are familiar with the rich and famous, and others look at civilizations that are overlooked. Sort of the way Mythbusters approaches science, and I'm also a large fan of QI. Recommendations? (I'm looking especially but not exclusively for history.)
posted by sarahkeebs
on Feb 28, 2012 -
14 answers
About a year or two ago, I saw this great website that provided a list of the top 50 influential documentaries ever made. (Including a video streaming of each documentary with a short written analysis of why it was so influential) Can you please help me find that site again?
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posted by dealing away
on Nov 2, 2010 -
5 answers
Who are the artistic heirs to documentary filmmaker
Frederick Wiseman? Which contemporary individuals/groups are making similar films, filming similar things, or documenting life in the U.S. (with or without film) in similar ways?
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posted by jjjjjjjijjjjjjj
on Sep 9, 2010 -
5 answers
In bed, need some good documentaries that're available on-line. Not that interested in politics or nature. Must be viewable in Canada. Suggestions?
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posted by kmennie
on Jun 29, 2010 -
16 answers
Louis Theroux's documentaries - both the sillier earlier ones and the recent more solemn ones - are perhaps my very favourite things to watch. What other documentaries / shows might I enjoy?
posted by nicolas léonard sadi carnot
on Jun 8, 2010 -
15 answers
I am working on a PhD in music theory and cognition. I hate wasting time, but sometimes my brain needs a break from reading/writing/listening/analyzing. Help me create a list of films and documentaries that relate in some way to my field so that I can stare at a screen sometimes and still feel like I'm feeding my unquenchable desire to learn about music and mind.
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posted by nosila
on Nov 1, 2009 -
15 answers
I often download documentaries, and generally love them, and frequently feel like I want to give back to the director.
Monetarily-wise, that is, as perhaps I didn't pay for them.
What do you think of a service that allowed for paypal or such donation to individual directors? Could it work?
Alternately, directors of small films could set up a link on their websites, and one could spread the idea memetically.
I'm not looking to cash in on this, just to get feedback on an idea of how to assuage my guilt and help support those who make films worthy of support.
posted by aschwa5
on Aug 1, 2008 -
13 answers
First, help me ID this one from my friend's description:
it's this one done by this old man up in the northwest somewhere. he built his own cabin and lived there for something like 50 years by himself--completely by himself. All the camera work is done soley by him. the man is amazing. he does everything on his own. it's the most relaxing thing i ever watched
Next, recommend your favorite interesting and well-made documentaries.
I'll start with Joseph Campbell's The Power of Myth and the PBS Evolution series.
posted by foraneagle2
on Apr 17, 2005 -
42 answers
Does anyone have experience with promoting an independent documentary film? [no links to, or mention of the film itself... I'm not trying to be that guy -- more inside]
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posted by cadastral
on Dec 18, 2003 -
10 answers
