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Documentary Thread #2


Egg Shen

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I actually saw it for the first time during one of its rare cinema screenings. That was full-on. With a director Q&A after.

It was interesting because not only is there enough for the documentary - the dramatisation (on Netflix) covers a bunch of different stuff, including more about what it was like for the jury, and the press intrusion for Marcia Clark. Both work well, and as companion pieces. Although, at that point, the director couldn't bring himself to watch the show - he was just too close to it, and would have worried the show made better choices.

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Finished it. Incredible. The documentary is not just about OJ Simpson, but about racial history (and the importance of the Rodney King verdict), spousal abuse and manipulation, corruption, class, celebrity stature, politicking, journalistic integrity and so much more. I don’t like to generalise as there’s always more to the iceberg than we see... but that fucking country, honestly.

I don’t think I’ve ever been as invested in a subject matter I cared so little about before. He’s one of the most fascinating people in modern history, but this set of work opens up the conversation about so much more.

To reiterate those who’ve said it already, you really have to watch this.

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Circus of Books (Netflix)

Super little film about a Jewish couple who ran a pioneering gay porn shop in California. Some nice contributions from Larry Flynt and Jeff Stryker, too, and although it touches on a few subjects all-too-briefly, this was really well made and quite enlightening.

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Romantic Comedy (Mubi)

A bit like a TED talk about the genre over loads of film clips from it. Interesting stuff though that tackles the most problematic aspects of the genre and its lack of representation.

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Jane Fonda in Five Acts (YouTube)

I think this will prove to be a tough watch for those who idolise Henry Fonda especially as it's extremely candid about her relationship with her father, but this is a rare documentary about a personality that actually feels authentic and uncluttered. I was actually surprised at how deep this went into Fonda's life and background but it's all the more compelling for it. Interestingly, it doesn't dwell too much on her movies and that's really the measure of what a full and interesting life she's had. Just superb.

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This glorious documentary was on BBC1 last night - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0002wt7

It's got everything you want from a behind the scenes look at the worlds stone skimming championships. The grizzled vet, the cocky up & comer, the journeyman coming from afar to test his mettle. Thank me later!

 

Edit - Just seen the link isn't on Iplayer yet...cunts

Edited by Dead Mike
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There is possibly nothing more boring sounding than a stone skimming championship, but for some reason things like this make the best docs.  I’ll keep an eye out for it.

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Thank you @Magnum Milano I will put that on record

There is a new Sky Documentaries channel now. It’s channel 277 on Virgin, 114 on Sky. They are showing Honeyland and The Amazing Jonathan Documentary back to back Saturday night - I haven’t seen either but heard great things about them. 

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