Documentary Analysis – Batty Man

The documentary I have chosen to analyse is the documentary Batty Man. This is
broadcasted my channel four. I am going to analyse all the typical aspects expected
in a documentary, which includes, cinematography, sound, mise-en-scene and
editing. I will only be analysing the first 5 minutes of the documentary, whilst
establishing ways it appeals to the audience.

The documentary is based on the comedian and actor Stephen k Amos using his
own experiences as a black gay man trying to explore why homophobia still exists in
his own community. Within documentaries there are different modes. Bill Nichols
suggests a couple of these to describe a mode of documentary. This would be
categorised under is the Participatory Mode, this is an encounter between the film-
maker and subject, this is the film maker engaging with the situation at hand, asking
questions and sharing experiences. But on the other hand according to channel four
this is an observational documentary as it observes different areas in the world to
find more about homophobia.

One of the most important aspects of a documentary is the cinematography. This

allows the audience to concentrate ethically on the subject. The framing, the
positioning of the camera all has to be accurate in order to keep the audience drawn
in. The beginning of the documentary starts with a couple of cutaways that relate to
the topic. We see, “batty mans” which is a derogatory term for, homosexuals as a
part of a reminder of the topic to keep the audience relative. The cutaways of
homosexuals is shown, then the voice over begins which helps the audience keep
equipped with the purpose of the shots.
The Cutaway shows a group of
men, as if in a party and then two
men hugging one and other
intimately, this automatically
gives the audience an idea about
the documentary using non
verbal communication.

As the documentary progresses we see a range of previews of interviews. These are

of different opinions of youths within the black community also including adults.
There is a still montage of the area called „Old Compton street w1‟ this shows the
type of setting; this gives the audience awareness of the location. This is one aspect
that is most common in media products to keep the documentary as clear as
possible. The location setting relates to who is being interviewed this gives the
audience a sense of awareness. Alongside the still shot of the image, there is a
group of black boys dressed in essential sportswear. This matches the stereotype
given to black boys. There dress shows a youth sub culture, „hip hop‟ this is easily
identified by their style.

This figure shows the

location setting.

.
Shows the three youths,
and identify their youth
sub culture through
mise-en-scene.

In terms of mise-en-scene the setting and locations are different. As it is an

Participatory Mode documentary this involves the speaker, involving with the topic.
This shows him visiting different areas to show his different locations. One of the
main settings is in London in the U.K. The topic matter is about homophobia within
the black community so locations are based around where the black society is based
and are more homophobic.

As the documentary progresses, the speaker, is shown in a long shot, with ......... this
is used to add some reality to the documentary. Whilst he is being shown there is a
voice over talking, which is him himself. Usually in media products there will be a
different shot of someone/something then a different voice over. But in this case he
is used verbally and visually.

This shows the interviewer, voice over

speaker Stephen k Amos standing
still......... this is whilst introducing
whom he is and the base of the
documentary.
This is a visual effect that is added in the editing. The voice over is classed as non-
diegetic sound, even though he is a black man, he has a high register, this goes out
of the stereotype. Not only is he a gay but sounds reasonably educated. This is an
educational documentary as it goes against any stereotypes that the audience may
have. This is what he aims to illustrate through the documentary.

The Sound is also essential when it comes to cinematography. Whilst the different
cutaways are shown, there are non-diegetic sounds playing. The sound used is
dependant on the type of documentary. In this case the music is more upbeat, so it
matches with the stereotype that goes with homosexuals. This has been added for
dramatic effect.

One of the things were also taken into account were the on screen graphics that
were used. For example at the beginning the cutaways that were used m, had a
solarised effect used, which made the documentary mote entertaining and more
young and connected to the diversity in our culture today.

This is an example of a text effect

that had been added when it came
to editing. This gives it more of a
description to the image.

One of the most essential conventions that were used in the documentary were the
on screen graphics , the facts and the framing and locations used. The rule of thirds
is so essential in real media prodcuts.

Rule of thirds.
Lastly when it cme to edting which is the last type of actions when it comes to
completing a documentary, titles and credits can be used to keep the audience
informed and equipped with who is speaking, this keeps the audience somewhat
alarmed.

Name Title.