The "Verbatim" Film Phenomenon: Where Scripting Becomes Irrelevant
In the world of filmmaking, it seems that the holy trinity of great films - script, script, and script - has given way to an unconventional approach. With the rise of "verbatim" movies, filmmakers are ditching their scripts altogether in favor of transcribing real-life conversations and events into film. The results have been nothing short of astonishing.
From Reality (2023), a heart-wrenching portrayal of whistleblower Reality Winner's interrogation, to Radu Jude's Uppercase Print (2020), a chilling depiction of Ceaușescu-era Romania's brutal interrogations, the "verbatim" trend is sweeping the industry. Two more films, Peter Hujar's Day and Ira Sachs' 1974 New York, are currently playing in UK cinemas, both based on candid conversations between real people.
This unorthodox approach has its roots in theatrical traditions. The Federal Theatre Project's "living newspaper" concept from the 1930s, which tackled hot-button topics during the Great Depression, laid the groundwork for verbatim adaptations. Eric Bentley's play Are You Now or Have You Ever Been? (1955), based on House Committee hearings of the 1950s, further cemented this format.
The benefits of "verbatim" filmmaking are undeniable. By staying true to real-life events and conversations, filmmakers can create films that feel eerily prescient and authentic. The use of close-ups, handheld cameras, and natural lighting creates an immersive experience, drawing viewers into the world of the film. This style is particularly effective in capturing the raw emotion and urgency of current events.
Take Kaouther Ben Hania's The Voice of Hind Rajab, for example, which revisits a harrowing 2024 Gaza City evacuation story with unflinching veracity. The film features actual recordings of Hind Rajab's voice, amplified to give her an otherworldly presence on screen. This is not merely "based on true events" - it's a testament to the power of verbatim storytelling.
The success of these films has sparked debate about the role of fiction in filmmaking. While some argue that "verbatim" movies prioritize authenticity over creative license, others see this trend as a refreshing departure from the conventional script-driven narrative. Whatever the case, one thing is clear: Reality Winners - the filmmakers behind these innovative "verbatim" movies - are changing the way we tell stories on screen.
In a world where news cycles and social media make it harder to separate fact from fiction, "verbatim" filmmaking offers a refreshing respite. By transcribing real-life conversations into film, filmmakers can cut through the noise and address hard truths with unflinching honesty. Will this trend continue to gain momentum? Only time will tell.
In the world of filmmaking, it seems that the holy trinity of great films - script, script, and script - has given way to an unconventional approach. With the rise of "verbatim" movies, filmmakers are ditching their scripts altogether in favor of transcribing real-life conversations and events into film. The results have been nothing short of astonishing.
From Reality (2023), a heart-wrenching portrayal of whistleblower Reality Winner's interrogation, to Radu Jude's Uppercase Print (2020), a chilling depiction of Ceaușescu-era Romania's brutal interrogations, the "verbatim" trend is sweeping the industry. Two more films, Peter Hujar's Day and Ira Sachs' 1974 New York, are currently playing in UK cinemas, both based on candid conversations between real people.
This unorthodox approach has its roots in theatrical traditions. The Federal Theatre Project's "living newspaper" concept from the 1930s, which tackled hot-button topics during the Great Depression, laid the groundwork for verbatim adaptations. Eric Bentley's play Are You Now or Have You Ever Been? (1955), based on House Committee hearings of the 1950s, further cemented this format.
The benefits of "verbatim" filmmaking are undeniable. By staying true to real-life events and conversations, filmmakers can create films that feel eerily prescient and authentic. The use of close-ups, handheld cameras, and natural lighting creates an immersive experience, drawing viewers into the world of the film. This style is particularly effective in capturing the raw emotion and urgency of current events.
Take Kaouther Ben Hania's The Voice of Hind Rajab, for example, which revisits a harrowing 2024 Gaza City evacuation story with unflinching veracity. The film features actual recordings of Hind Rajab's voice, amplified to give her an otherworldly presence on screen. This is not merely "based on true events" - it's a testament to the power of verbatim storytelling.
The success of these films has sparked debate about the role of fiction in filmmaking. While some argue that "verbatim" movies prioritize authenticity over creative license, others see this trend as a refreshing departure from the conventional script-driven narrative. Whatever the case, one thing is clear: Reality Winners - the filmmakers behind these innovative "verbatim" movies - are changing the way we tell stories on screen.
In a world where news cycles and social media make it harder to separate fact from fiction, "verbatim" filmmaking offers a refreshing respite. By transcribing real-life conversations into film, filmmakers can cut through the noise and address hard truths with unflinching honesty. Will this trend continue to gain momentum? Only time will tell.
, you know? It's like they're bringing the raw emotion of real-life events into our screens. I mean, have you seen Reality Winner or Uppercase Print? They're so intense! I'm all for filmmakers cutting through the noise and telling stories that need to be told. And honestly, it's a great way to capture the urgency of current events – just watch The Voice of Hind Rajab, man... 
It's like you can feel the tension and emotion. Plus, it's not just about authenticity; it's also about preserving history. These filmmakers are doing something really special here 
these verbatim films r actually kinda genius 
think bout how much easier it is 2 make a film that's true 2 life lol like if u r tryna make a movie about a real event, why bother makin up stuff when u can just use what really happened? its all about bein authentic & honest, u feel me? 
and yeah, i guess the debates bout fiction vs non-fiction are gonna keep goin but at least these films r sparkin some interesting conversations 
. Imo, these films can teach us a thing or two about being genuine and honest in our storytelling. Plus, its pretty cool how they're using old conversations to make new points about the present 
. The future of filmmaking might just be all about verbatim storytelling 
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it's like filmmakers are trying to make the most of current events and make them feel more real, but honestly, it feels kinda gimmicky at times. 
i love the idea behind verbatim filmmaking, but some of these movies start to feel more like vlogs or documentaries than actual films 
. By putting real conversations and events front and center, filmmakers can create films that feel urgent and necessary 
. It's not about sacrificing creativity for authenticity; it's about being honest with ourselves and each other 
. And let's be real, in a world where fake news is rampant, we need stories that can cut through the noise and speak truth to power 
sounds kinda cool but also kinda weird at the same time? i mean, isn't that just like watchin a documentary or somethin? 
. and the fact that it's all based on real events makes it even more impactful. dont know if im down with changing up the traditional script thing tho... what do u guys think? 
. It makes you feel like you're right there with what's happening on screen. And I love how they can get the emotion just right without having to write it in 
Take Kaouther Ben Hania's The Voice of Hind Rajab for example; it's like, totally harrowing to watch 
. And let's be real, in today's world where news cycles and social media can be super overwhelming, these films offer a much-needed respite from all the noise 
.
. It's like you're right there with the characters, experiencing their fear and anxiety firsthand.
. And I think that's what we need more of - honest storytelling that doesn't shy away from the tough stuff 
. The fact that they're using real-life conversations and events is so bold and refreshing, you know? It's like they're saying, "Hey, we don't need to make this up, let's just tell it how it really went down." 
And can we talk about the cinematography? The close-ups and handheld cameras are giving me all the chill vibes 
. Plus, they're tackling real issues in such an unflinching way... it's like they're holding up a mirror to society and saying, "Hey, we need to talk about this."