This is my research on crime documentaries
First documentary "the final; the attack on wembley'
What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?
Th sub genre is sports as the location and the event that occurred was situated in a stadium filled with sports fans.
Who is the target audience?
The target audience appeared to be young english adult sport fans (ages 18+) as this whole documentary showcases what went wrong during that tournament day. This also leans more towards the male audience In England as as the incident takes place in Wembley, England this will intrigue more locals within the area as they would want to keep up with whats happened in their country. Football is also a sport more popularised in the male field rather than female due to the agility and physical contact that needs to be used.
What typical documentary conventions did it use?
The typical conventions that were used was how it included real life footage from the real accident in this case was a phone. Clips of the stadiums location and overall setting was showcased with England fans shouting in the clips wanting their home team to win. They also frequently used interviews of not only the fans that day but also government officials stating that, during that day it was a mayhem as if a bomb went off and everyone went berserker. They also used many close up and long shots, close ups were mainly used to portray the expression of those in the interview or the videos that came from fans on site while longs shots were used to showcase the setting and how it got destroyed in the process of the attack.
Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions of this genre?
The opening scene of this documentary starts with the production, cast members and title cards using a bold and capital font for the typography. This signifies that the style gives off an energy that is associated with sports and a sense of authority. Set up interviews were also used to showcase the different perspective the event held on them as the background of each individual is different and its typically in a way of sharing opinions and their experience. Surveillance footage (CCTV) and tiktok's or other online platforms repeatedly show videos of the chaos happening: jumping on traffic lights, smoke bombs, throwing items, physical pushing. In order to give a sense of realism of whats happening especially when its the usage of a hand held camera. So this shows that the documentary conforms to typical conventions as most elements used conform to this genre.
How did it create suspense using the following:
Camera: hand held camera movements were mostly use to indicate panic and chaos that was happening the day of the attack
Mise-en-scene: The clothing used by the fans were dirty and some even became shirtless. While on the other hand those who did the interviews had very formal and neat clothing which indicates the authority of those that were reckless and well behaved.
Sound: Non diegetic sound was used to build suspense on what happening during that day, as it started with a slow pace showcasing a clean atmosphere and excited English fans who cant wait to see their team play in the finals. But after the pace gets faster this became a recked and chaotic empasising the panic the attack held. However the use of diegetic sound such as glass breaking and people screaming which allows the audience to feel the heightened effect of how dire the situation has become.
Edit: During the first part of the opening the edits were slow and paced very calmly (static) but as more evidence gets shown on what happened that day the edits became quick. This intensifies the suspense the audience will feel as its very quick and audiences will have a hard time focusing on what comes next making them feel the same effect of those who were in the stadium that day.
What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
I liked the ratio between the interviews and shots from the handheld cameras as it gives off different perspectives while still keeping the audience hooked based on the evidence used which comes from peoples actual phones.
Second documentary "worst roomate ever"
What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?
This documentaries sub genre is true crime, as it unveils the true intentions of peoples encounter with their creepy roommate and what happened.
Who is the target audience?
The target audience is young adults but mainly targeted towards female (ages 18+) as this story is focusing on 2 women roommates and how 1 of them grew an obsession to the other victim's son. As this documentary has violence that may be sensitive to some viewers such as bruises, bloody wounds and other disturbing details. The crime documentary showcases a lot about the victims personal story as she has been victimised by her roommate this will intrigue a lot of viewers due to them feeling like they have a personal connection with the victim and that they pity her because of everything she went through, but viewers are also interested on the victim overcome this event.
What typical documentary conventions did it use?
The typical conventions that were used was how it included voice overs from the victim which were used to describe and narrate the events that happened allowing the audience to know the chronological order of the events that transpired which may act as the 'proairetic code' by Barthes allowing the audience to have a better and clearer understanding to what they're seeing/being exposed to. Another convention used was the addition of the real life pictures of the victim and the perpetrator this acts as visuals for the audience and proof what happening in real life circumstances keep the audiences attention hooked.
Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions of this genre?
The opening did not subvert the typical convention as it uses an establishing shot to showcase the location of the victims house as well as the neighbourhood surrounding in order for the audience to understand where the action took place. Voice over narration was also very prominent as the victim talks about her experience regarding what her ex roommate/best friend did and how a house brings back her nightmares during that fateful day. Voice overs are also used to provide the audience with an explanation on what they are seeing, instead of just showing photographs and montages of the scene without any context this helps the audience to develop a connection to the audience as if she was speaking to them personally. Multiple photographs were also shown which implies the close relationship the victim had with her ex roommate. After photos of the victims son a view of the house was shown which demonstrates how happy her son was living there. But clips of the victims injuries were also shown to elicit sympathy from the audience by showing how much the victim had suffered.
How did it create suspense using the following:
Camera: Close up shots were used to capture the victim's expressions (distress and fear) and conditions (injuries) which forces the audience a focus on those footages/clips/pictures as the audience feels the intensity of the circumstance. The use of POV shot (edit: added with glitch effect) to positioned the audience in the shots' perspective
that connotes distress showcasing instability as events may be traumatic from staircase being shown, meaning that something bad must've happen due to the angle used.
Mise-en-scene: Dark, eerie view of the house that took place during night time. And the usage of lighting thats dimmed which connotes mystery and danger that has happened in the location. The usage of glitch effects connotes malfunction which in this case reflects the chaos and trauma of the event the victim has gone through. This allows the audience to feel the the heightened fear and danger that has taken place.
Sound: Non diegetic sound was used (unsettling background noise) which heightens the suspense and tension created in the opening of the documentary. This was also layered over the voice overs when the victim starts to uncover her story which allows the audience to feel danger thats about to unfold. The score used was also pretty creepy building the send of fear from the audience too.
Edit: Starts with a slow pace and durations to emphasize and create focus on a particular scene but the speed gets faster to build tension making the audience feel more on edge. This allows the audience to suspect whats going to happen later on making them realise the danger going to take place.
What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
I really like the glitch edits/effects between the photographs shown and especially when the title card gets shown. As my teams documentary revolves around online dating this edit would be very suitable in order to create a sense of distortion of the digital media that visually simulates errors and disruptances.
Third documentary "the staircase"
What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?
"The Staircase" is categorized as a real crime book, namely a legal thriller. It explores the complexity of the legal system and the trial, delving deeply into the subtleties of a criminal case. It also delves into the drama and tension surrounding the case, frequently obfuscating the distinctions between dramatic and documentary reporting.
Who is the target audience?
People that are interested in real-life mysteries, legal dramas, and criminal investigations make up the majority of the audience. This seems to be becoming more and more common as court proceedings have become more visible to the public and as there have been instances where cameras have been present. Similar well-known trials, like the OJ Simpson case in the 1990s and the Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard case in the 2020s, gave rise to a great deal of curiosity. Another important audience includes those with an interest in the legal system and how it manages well-known cases. Viewers who like character-driven stories with psychological depth would be drawn to this series because of its emphasis on the emotional and personal interactions inside the Peterson family and the court system.
What typical documentary conventions did it use?
Numerous of these conventions are followed by "The Staircase." It presents the case and gives background information on the crime through voiceover narration. Together with using real-life video and images, the series also include interviews with important personalities. The series takes a more cinematic approach, subverting the conventions of the crime documentary genre. It tells a complicated, multi-layered story with ongoing investigation and courtroom drama instead of a simple story. A thorough examination of the case's intricacies is made possible by the episodic structure, which is uncommon in traditional true crime films.
Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions of this genre?
The Staircase chooses a more restrained strategy, underplaying the emotional tone, as opposed to the sensationalized, overt crime scene editing typical in real crime. The show alternates between interviews conducted in the present, old footage, and reconstructions of crime scenes. By switching between timeframes and creating a feeling of mystery, this method, popular in crime dramas and documentaries, keeps viewers interested while helping to provide context. Given that it has a framework similar to other documentaries, usually in the crime genre, this conforms with genre convention
How did it create suspense using the following:
Camera: To alter spectator perception and evoke a sense of fragility or foreboding, low and high angles are used. Photographs of the crime scene and the staircase are especially important since they position them at the heart of the mystery. Slow pans, close-ups, and lingering shots of the crime scene and Peterson residence are used in the camera work. This focuses on nuances that arouse anxiety, creating a cozy yet unsettling atmosphere.
Mise-en-scene; The scene is painstakingly framed to highlight its importance, especially the Peterson residence and the stairway. Suspense is increased by the contrast between the ostensibly typical home setting and the horrific reality of the crime scene. The way the characters are shown in terms of their clothing and personal areas both humanizes them and alludes to the underlying tensions and emotional states of each of them. A dramatic and tense mood is often created by the lighting, which is often muted and features shadows. To enhance the story, items connected to the crime or the trial are placed with care.
Sound: The soundtrack is filled with dark, tense music that heightens the suspense and highlights the situation's emotional gravity. The narration is given in a measured, somber tone that highlights the seriousness of the situation and fosters introspection. The inclusion of ambient noises, such as the wind or far-off sounds, heightens the sense of dread by adding to the realism and atmosphere.
Edit: Editing emphasizes features, including close-ups of faces or objects, implying that important details will become visible later, thus subverting conventions and leading a mystery to its viewers. The show alternates between interviews conducted in the present, old footage, and reconstructions of crime scenes. This also creates dramatic suspense by weaving shots of the crime scene with interviews or character responses, leaving the audience with unanswered questions. This is in line with how suspense and emotional investment are developed in crime documentaries.
What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
As this is an old case I like how they still managed to find evidence back when it was 2002 this makes it seem like this case had been going on for quite some time and audiences till know are still intrigued by it
What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?
"The Trial of Gabriel Fernandez" is an investigative journalism-focused true crime film. It looks at a well-known example of child abuse and the court cases that followed, fusing a thorough analysis of systemic flaws with a dramatic courtroom setting.
Who is the target audience?
The target audience of this documentary would be those those with an interest in institutional abuse case handling, child welfare, and systemic shortcomings in social services. This documentary might be especially interesting to those who care about strengthening child protection procedures and judicial accountability. People who are interested in in-depth analyses of serious criminal cases and the legal system.
What typical documentary conventions did it use?
Conventions are employed in the documentary through the following interviews: Initially presenting testimonies from family members, social workers, and law enforcement officers who were intimately involved with the case. Archive Footage: Uses photos, papers, and real-life footage to add authenticity and context. Voiceover/Narration: this provides an organized way to communicate the information and leads listeners through the intricate story. Finally, dramatic music is used to heighten the emotional impact and build tension. Both conventions and subversions were employed in the documentary, as we could see. To give a thorough picture of the case, the documentary combines narration, archive video, and interviews. It follows the norms of providing authentic proof and firsthand recollections. In addition, the show deviates from conventional formats by emphasizing the structural flaws that permitted the abuse to happen, thus subverting genre standards. It alternates between wider investigation perspectives and courtroom drama, emphasizing institutional carelessness as a major topic.
Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions of this genre?
The intense contrast that intensifies the emotional effect occurs in the first five minutes when images of Gabriel's innocence (such school pictures) are frequently cut to the brutal reality of the abuse he suffered. This tactic is common and especially powerful in true crime, pulling the audience into the story's emotional center. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez does not extensively rely on dramatizations or reenactments in its introductory section, in contrast to many other crime documentaries. By incorporating comments on structural concerns, this subverts the normal focus on the victim and the criminal seen in many true crime narratives. George Gerbner's Cultivation Theory contends that extended media exposure modifies viewers' perceptions of reality. Those who watch crime films may get more fearful or expectant of crime in real life over time. You can investigate how editing shapes ideas about crime, justice, and social failure in The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez.
How did it create suspense using the following:
Camera: The documentary combines a variety of filming techniques, such as close-ups and static images in the introduction to convey the case's emotional impact. The opening sequences could center on significant sites connected to Gabriel's life and demise, fostering a solemn and contemplative atmosphere. Furthermore, close-ups of faces are often used to convey the seriousness and emotional depth of the subject matter, particularly in interviews. The sharp contrast between the individual accounts and the more general structural problems is frequently emphasized by the framing.
Mise-en-scene; the Mise-en-Scène segment of the documentary begins with courtrooms, police stations, and Gabriel's home—scenes that immediately communicate the gravity of the situation. The sites used aid in establishing the story in authentic settings. Typically, the lighting is muted in order to create a serious and gloomy tone. The story's emotional impact and the seriousness of the scenario are emphasized by dim or subdued lighting. The formal clothing worn by many of the people in the documentary is a reflection of the courtroom and professional environments. Personal items from Gabriel's life could be incorporated into the narrative to make it more relatable to the audience.
Sound: The documentary incorporates music in its sound segment. For example, its opening sequence, which emphasizes the gravity of Gabriel's predicament, is eerie and solemn. The music creates a meditative atmosphere and fosters an emotional connection. The documentary's authenticity is enhanced by the incorporation of audio from the courtroom, interviews, and other locations. Subtle ambient noise or complete quiet can heighten the effect of the narration and images. We may also argue that the voiceover, which sets the scene and leads the audience through the story, is given in a somber and sympathetic manner. This tone contributes to highlighting how serious the matter is.
Edit: breaking common genre clichés, the editing instead emphasizes real video, interviews, and archival news coverage, keeping the presentation grounded in a journalistic tone rather than relying on reenactment for tension. The early editing highlights the trial's larger backdrop, rather than concentrating only on the crime itself. It immediately establishes a number of tiers of accountability, including those for social services and law enforcement
What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
I liked how the montages added from the victims face to factual evidence is nicely cohesive and how well they demonstrated the accused in a bad light.
Fifth documentary "american murder; the family next door" (Netflix, 2020)
What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?
The documentary "American Murder: The Family Next Door" is under the true crime/documentary genre and is especially a documentary feature. The investigative reporting components are combined with a close-up, in-depth examination of the offenders and victims. It is notable for its moving and terrifying depiction of a family catastrophe where an all around "american dream family" faces a homicide in which the husband/father figure of the family kills his pregnant wife and two children.
Who is the target audience?
They are targeting viewers who are interested in real-life crime stories (ages 17+) and the specifics of criminal investigations are the target audience for this documentary. People who are interested in the intimate and emotional details of criminal cases—especially those that involve families and close relationships—will also find the documentary appealing. And lastly, people who value deep, poignant storytelling with authentic footage and first-person accounts.
What typical documentary conventions did it use?
The documentary demonstrated the use of both conventions and subversions of genre conventions. By integrating real footage and social media posts to provide a realistic and personal picture of the case, the documentary complies with norms. This method gives the audience a direct connection to the characters and roots the narrative in reality. By showcasing conventional talking-head interviews and concentrating instead on personal recordings and unprocessed evidence, the movie subverts established genre clichés. By concentrating on the intimate details of the catastrophe instead of following a traditional investigative narrative, this approach produces a more emotional and immersive experience.
Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions of this genre?
The opening of the documentary conformed to the genre conventions of a crime documentary. The episode begins with views of a quiet suburban neighbourhood, kids having fun, and regular family interactions. It is intended to create a deceptive sense of security in this serene and scenic setting. During these initial minutes, there are frequently subliminal cues that something is wrong. Maybe there will be a change in the lighting or ominous music to change the mood. A neighbour may report strange activities, or the story may change to include someone going missing out of the blue.
How did it create suspense using the following:
Camera: Early footage is probably going to concentrate on commonplace events and private areas, such homes and family get-togethers. This framing aids in creating a contrast between the Watts family's ostensibly typical lives and the horrific events that take place. Intimate and private shots are used in the opening minutes of the film, with a lot of attention paid to home recordings and social media posts. This gives the Watts family a feeling of intimacy and familiarity that heightens the impact of the impending tragedy.
Mise-en-scene; the documentary's Mise-en-Scene section includes elements that emphasize the everydayness of the family's life, such as the informal attire and personal belongings used in the opening sections. The final disclosures are much more shocking by this unremarkable presentation. The Watts family's daily routine, family get-togethers, and home surroundings are probably depicted in the opening scenes. These scenes are warmly and intimately portrayed, emphasizing the difference between the family's everyday existence and the catastrophe that will be discussed. Home films usually have bright, natural lighting that captures the simple, happy moments of family life. This stands in stark contrast to the more somber subjects that the documentary will eventually address.
Sound: The sound portion of the documentary include music. We could see that the soundtrack for the documentary is muted and frequently depressing, which heightens the opening scene's emotional impact. A feeling of tension and melancholy is evoked by the thoughtfully selected music. The background music from the family's films and social media posts is essential in establishing the tone and atmosphere of the documentary, even if there isn't much voiceover in the first few minutes. The documentary's realism and emotional depth are enhanced by the incorporation of real noises from social media postings and personal recordings. Uses and Gratifications theory by Blumler and Katz suggest that audiences watch media for reasons of entertainment and escapism(diversion). This is seen in the documentary as these audio elements contribute to the film's realism and immersive quality. This engages with audience and helps with the retention rate of the documentary. This is important for the media companies as more hours watched would mean more profit garnered and also more eyes on their work/exposure.
Edit: This documentary used edits to show the relationship between the family, text messages from the husband to the disappearing wife. Match cuts were mostly used as the documentary wanted to focus on how a normal family became a nightmare as there are cctv footages, neighbourhood sightings, and pictures of the wife and husbands instagram page to show how closed the family is. As the pacing started slow but started to get even faster after each evidence gets shown from the family's house to the wife, kids and text messages between the wife and her best friend.
What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
I liked how it uses more technical elements online such us the victims laptop/phone and they showcase the actual screen or social media page so that we as viewers can understand the victim in a better light and how things went south
Additional Research
