Most TV documentaries have been dumbed down to such an extent that they are often unwatchable. Programme makers seem to think that it’s impossible to explain concepts to the viewer without flashy graphics or re-enactment of key scenes. And a lot of time is wasted telling us what we are about see or what we have just seen, presumably on the assumption that viewers are incapable of holding anything but the simplest concepts in their head for more than a couple of minutes. It was therefore a joy to watch the first episode of Jonathan Miller’s A Brief History of Disbelief yesterday. Miller starts by describing the standard tricks of modern documentary making as “vulgar” and promises not to use them.
True to his word, the programme then consists of Miller filmed in various locations talking about the history of atheism (and, more specifically, the history of his own atheism). Occasionally he is shown in conversation with other people which have interesting things to say on the topic and every once in a while Bernard Hill is shown reading quotations on the subject.
All in all it makes for one of the most fascinating hours of television that I’ve seen for some time. It was great to see a documentary that didn’t treat me like an idiot. It’s made by BBC Four (the BBC’s “intellectual” channel) so perhaps that explains it, but it’s good that it’s getting a repeat showing on the more “mainstream” BBC Two.
If you have any interest at all in the subject then I strongly recommend that you want the remaining two programmes (7pm, Monday nights). But even if you’re not interested in the subject then you should watch at least one of the programmes to get an idea of how a good documentary should be made.
I agree that most documentaries these days are poorly made. I watched a think called The History of One or something with Terry Jones (or some other python) and it was almost unwatchable, there was so much pissing about with CGI graphics.
“Programme makers seem to think that it’s impossible to explain concepts to the viewer without flashy graphics or re-enactment of key scenes.”Aha! Good one! I was beginning to think that it was only me that thought this an issue due to the conspicuous absence of similar views on the net.This is yet another instance of minds that aren’t able to appreciate conceptual value in themselves unless accompanied with fairy lights or ‘celebrities’. It is indicative of the evolution of humanity into some kind of emotive phenomenon that requires frills, rather than reason, in order to excite fancies. It is evidence of a mind that is becoming increasingly juvenile in its ability to comprehend and appreciate reality, which, in consequence, reduces reality to little more than that perceptible by the most superficial of minds. However, this is to be expected considering the fact that Capitalism requires just such a propensity in order to exist. (juvenile – low in empathy, high in egocentricity, and as a result, most susceptible to superficial influences. Right concoction for the market to create and recreate superficial demand.)