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For anyone else who wanted a more poignant look at fame, consumerism, culture, and the human condition than the Paris Hilton documentary could provide, here are some of my recommendations from my all-time favourite documentary genre:
Available on Amazon Prime.
This doccie was supposed to be about a couple building the biggest/most expensive house in America, and halfway through they ran out of money.
The always-adorable Grace Neutral on the South Korean plastic surgery and beauty scene. Full episode available on YouTube.
A devastatingly beautiful look at a sensitive soul who got too much fame too fast. Full film available on YouTube if you search.
A stunning Adam Curtis documentary made up of BBC archival footage that explores the "falsity of modern life". Full film available on YouTube if you look.
I've never watched baseball in my life, but this documentary on Doc Ellis (who pitched a baseball no-hitter on LSD) is an amazing look at race, fame, and culture. Was available on Netflix at one point, not sure if it still is.
I watched this once and will never watch it again. It'll tear your heart out, even if you're not an Amy Winehouse fan. Currently available on Netflix.
A wild documentary about a 14 year old paparazzo in Los Angeles. Don't let Adrian Grenier discourage you - it's GOOD.
A documentary made up of archival footage exploring the ways Los Angeles has been represented in the media over the years.
For anyone who wants to understand why the BLM movement is so important. It's sobering to see how little has changed in over 20 years.
If you don't know Maleven, where have you been? Louis Theroux came to JHB and explored parts of the city Joburgers won't even go. Again, sobering to see how little has changed since this documentary.
For my friends in advertising and media - A critical look at the relationship between advertising and art.
Please acknowledge the genius of the title ART & COPY (as in - art directors and copywriters; and advertising being a copy of art)
Please acknowledge the genius of the title ART & COPY (as in - art directors and copywriters; and advertising being a copy of art)
The blueprint for documentaries that start out about one thing and end up about something totally different. It'll make your skin crawl.
A raw (and pretty traumatic) look at the world of amateur porn. Was available on Netflix, not sure if it still is.
DYK that many slaves were banned from playing drums because slave-owners feared it would incite revolt? That's why the USA doesn't have distinctive rhythms like Africa and S. America. This is the singular most powerful exploration of the history of music.
Child pageants will never stop being fascinating and bizarre. A documentary that followed two successful pageant winners into adulthood. Link to full episode.
This started out as a Macedonian tourism piece, then the filmmakers ended up camping in the village for 4 YEARS to film this. I genuinely have no words for how much this documentary changed my entire perception of what a documentary could be.
