Documentary movies are films that document real-life events or people. The spelling of "documentary movie" is /dɒkjʊˈmɛnt əri ˈmuːvi/. "Documentary" is spelled with the letter "c" after the "d" because it comes from the word "document," which also has a "c." The stress in "documentary" is on the second syllable, /ju/, which is marked with a ˈ symbol. "Movie" is spelled with the letter "v" after the "o" because it comes from the word "motion," which also has a "v."
A documentary movie, also known as a documentary film, is a non-fictional motion picture that aims to present reality and provide an objective account or exploration of a specific subject or event. It primarily serves to educate, inform, and raise awareness about various social, cultural, scientific, or historical topics. Unlike fictional films, which are scripted and rely on actors and scripted dialogue, documentary movies strive to capture real-life events or individuals in their natural environment.
The key characteristic of a documentary movie is its commitment to presenting accurate information and promoting an objective viewpoint. These films often employ interviews, firsthand accounts, narration, historical footage, photographs, and other archival material to authenticate their content. Documentaries may also include re-enactments or dramatizations of real-life events, but these are usually used sparingly and with the intention of enhancing the viewers' understanding rather than fictionalizing the story.
Documentary movies are frequently categorized based on their subject matter, such as nature documentaries, historical documentaries, social issue documentaries, political documentaries, biographical documentaries, and many more. They can be created by both professionals and amateurs, and their purposes may range from showcasing a particular viewpoint or advocating for change to offering an in-depth examination of significant people or events.
With their ability to capture reality and shed light on complex topics, documentary movies have become a widely accepted medium for educating, inspiring, and entertaining audiences across the globe.
The word "documentary" originated from the Latin word "documentum", which means "lesson" or "evidence". In the late 19th century, "documentary" began being used to describe a genre of filmmaking that aimed to present factual and informative content. The term "documentary movie" refers to a film that captures real-life footage and events, presenting them in a documentary style with the intention to educate, inform, or raise awareness about a specific subject.