Top Documentaries of 2010
A Definitive Ranking of the Year's Best
The year 2010 marked a significant period for documentary filmmaking, with numerous compelling and thought-provoking works released to critical acclaim. These films covered a wide range of subjects, from social issues and political events to personal stories and artistic explorations. Some of the most impactful documentaries of 2010 shed light on important topics and challenged viewers' perspectives on the world around them.
Documentary enthusiasts and casual viewers alike found plenty to engage with in 2010's offerings. The best documentaries of that year demonstrated the power of non-fiction storytelling to educate, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations. From intimate character studies to sweeping investigations of global issues, these films showcased the diverse approaches and techniques employed by talented filmmakers in the documentary genre.
1) Inside Job (2010)
Inside Job is a powerful documentary that examines the 2008 global financial crisis. Directed by Charles Ferguson, the film provides a comprehensive look at the systemic corruption within the financial services industry.
Matt Damon narrates this eye-opening expose, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. The film interviews key players from financial institutions, government regulators, and academia.
Inside Job meticulously breaks down the complex factors that led to the economic meltdown. It explores the deregulation of the financial sector, the housing bubble, and the proliferation of risky derivatives.
The documentary doesn't shy away from pointing fingers. It highlights the role of credit rating agencies, investment banks, and government officials in the crisis. The film also delves into the conflicts of interest in academic research on finance.
Ferguson's work stands out for its clarity in explaining complicated financial concepts. It presents a damning indictment of Wall Street's practices and the lack of accountability in its aftermath.
More information on Inside Job
2) Exit Through the Gift Shop
Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010) is a thought-provoking documentary directed by the enigmatic street artist Banksy. The film chronicles the journey of Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant in Los Angeles with an obsession for filming street artists.
Guetta's quest leads him to encounter renowned figures in the street art world, including Shepard Fairey and Banksy himself. As the story unfolds, the lines between filmmaker and subject blur, creating an intriguing narrative twist.
The documentary provides a unique glimpse into the secretive world of street art, showcasing the artists' techniques and motivations. It raises questions about the nature of art, authenticity, and commercialization in the modern art scene.
Exit Through the Gift Shop received critical acclaim for its entertaining storytelling and insightful exploration of the street art movement. The film's clever editing and Banksy's distinctive style contribute to its engaging and visually appealing presentation.
This documentary stands out for its ability to both inform and entertain, offering viewers a rare look into a typically inaccessible subculture. It challenges perceptions of art and artistry, making it a standout film of 2010.
3) Restrepo
Restrepo offers an unflinching look at the realities of war in Afghanistan. This 2010 documentary follows a U.S. Army platoon during their 15-month deployment in the dangerous Korengal Valley.
Directed by Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger, the film provides an intimate portrayal of soldiers' experiences on the frontlines. It captures both intense firefights and quiet moments of camaraderie at the remote outpost named after a fallen comrade.
The documentary eschews political commentary, instead focusing on the day-to-day lives of the soldiers. It showcases their bravery, fear, and the bonds formed under extreme circumstances.
Restrepo received critical acclaim for its raw and unfiltered approach to war reporting. The film won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.
By embedding with the troops, Hetherington and Junger created a powerful and visceral account of modern warfare. The documentary serves as a testament to the soldiers' sacrifice and resilience in one of Afghanistan's most volatile regions.
More information on Restrepo (2010)
4) Gasland
Gasland (2010) exposed the environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas extraction in the United States. Directed by Josh Fox, this documentary investigated communities affected by fracking operations.
The film gained attention for its striking scenes of flammable tap water, allegedly caused by methane contamination from nearby gas wells. Fox traveled across the country, interviewing residents who reported health issues and environmental damage.
Gasland highlighted the rapid expansion of fracking and raised concerns about water pollution, air quality, and the industry's regulation. It featured testimony from scientists, government officials, and affected landowners.
The documentary became a catalyst for public debate on fracking's risks and benefits. It received critical acclaim, winning awards and an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature.
Gasland's impact extended beyond the screen, energizing grassroots opposition to fracking and influencing policy discussions. The film's provocative imagery and personal stories resonated with audiences, bringing fracking into the national spotlight.
5) Waiting for 'Superman' (2010)
Waiting for 'Superman' examines the shortcomings of the American public education system. Directed by Davis Guggenheim, the documentary follows several students as they strive to enter high-performing charter schools.
The film highlights the challenges faced by these students in their pursuit of quality education. It showcases their struggles within the existing public school system and their hopes for a better future through charter schools.
Guggenheim's documentary criticizes teacher unions and tenure policies, suggesting they hinder educational progress. It advocates for charter schools as a potential solution to improve student outcomes.
The film features interviews with education reformers and policymakers, offering various perspectives on the education crisis. It also uses animation to explain complex educational concepts and policies.
A poignant scene shows students anxiously participating in charter school admission lotteries, underscoring the limited access to quality education. The documentary sparked debates about education reform and charter schools upon its release.
6) Catfish
Catfish (2010) emerged as one of the most talked-about documentaries of its year. The film follows Nev Schulman, a young photographer who develops an online relationship with a woman named Megan.
Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, Catfish explores the complexities and potential deceptions of social media interactions. As Nev's relationship with Megan deepens, he decides to meet her in person.
The documentary takes an unexpected turn when Nev discovers that Megan's online persona is not what it seems. This revelation leads to a series of surprising discoveries about the nature of online identities and relationships.
Catfish gained critical acclaim for its thought-provoking examination of modern romance and digital connections. The film's success led to the creation of a popular MTV reality series of the same name.
The documentary sparked debates about authenticity and ethics in filmmaking, with some questioning its veracity. Despite these controversies, Catfish remains a significant cultural touchstone in the discussion of online relationships.
More information on Catfish (2010)
7) The Tillman Story
The Tillman Story (2010) examines the life and death of Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who joined the U.S. Army after the 9/11 attacks. Directed by Amir Bar-Lev, this documentary chronicles Tillman's decision to leave behind a lucrative football career to serve his country.
The film focuses on the circumstances surrounding Tillman's death in Afghanistan and the subsequent military cover-up. It follows his family's tireless efforts to uncover the truth about what really happened to Pat.
Through interviews and archival footage, The Tillman Story reveals the complexities of Tillman's character and the impact of his choices. The documentary also explores themes of patriotism, heroism, and the consequences of war.
Bar-Lev's work sheds light on the government's attempt to use Tillman's story for propaganda purposes. It raises important questions about military accountability and the public's right to know the truth.
The Tillman Story received critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of a controversial subject. It was praised for its balanced approach and compelling narrative structure.
More information on The Tillman Story
8) Waste Land (2010)
Waste Land follows Brazilian artist Vik Muniz as he creates art from materials found in Jardim Gramacho, the world's largest landfill near Rio de Janeiro. Directed by Lucy Walker, the documentary showcases Muniz's collaboration with local garbage pickers, known as catadores.
The film explores themes of art, transformation, and human dignity. Muniz photographs the catadores and recreates their portraits using recyclable materials from the landfill. This process not only produces striking artwork but also empowers the subjects.
Waste Land received critical acclaim for its heartwarming narrative and social commentary. It highlights the often-overlooked individuals who make a living from sorting through trash and the potential for art to bring about positive change.
The documentary won numerous awards, including the Sundance Film Festival's Audience Award for World Cinema Documentary. It was also nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 83rd Academy Awards.
Waste Land offers a unique perspective on sustainability, creativity, and the human spirit. It demonstrates how art can transcend social barriers and bring attention to important environmental issues.
More information on Waste Land
9) Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer (2010)
This documentary directed by Alex Gibney examines the political career and downfall of former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer. The film explores Spitzer's rise to power as a tough-on-crime Attorney General and his subsequent election as Governor in 2006.
Gibney's work delves into the events surrounding Spitzer's resignation in 2008 after his involvement with a high-end prostitution ring came to light. The documentary features interviews with Spitzer himself, as well as key figures involved in the scandal.
"Client 9" provides an in-depth look at the complex factors that led to Spitzer's fall from grace, including his aggressive pursuit of Wall Street corruption and the powerful enemies he made along the way. The film garnered critical acclaim for its balanced approach and thorough investigation.
Premiering at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival, "Client 9" received praise for its compelling storytelling and insightful analysis of political power dynamics. The documentary offers a nuanced portrayal of a controversial figure in American politics.
10) The Lottery
"The Lottery" (2010) offers a compelling look at the American education system through the lens of four families in New York City. Directed by Madeleine Sackler, this documentary follows their journey as they enter a high-stakes lottery for spots in a charter school.
The film highlights the stark disparities in educational opportunities, particularly for African American and Hispanic students in underperforming public schools. It showcases the intense pressure and hope placed on this lottery system as a potential pathway to better education.
Sackler's work examines the controversial topic of charter schools and their role in addressing educational inequalities. The documentary presents arguments from both supporters and critics of the charter school movement.
Through intimate portraits of the families involved, "The Lottery" personalizes the broader debate about education reform. It raises questions about the fairness of a system where a child's future can hinge on a random drawing.
The film received praise for its emotional impact and its ability to spark discussions about educational policy and reform in the United States.
More information on "The Lottery" (2010)
Cinematic Techniques in Documentaries
Documentary filmmakers employ various cinematic techniques to engage viewers and convey their stories effectively. These methods enhance visual storytelling and create compelling narratives.
Camera Work and Angles
Documentarians use diverse camera techniques to capture reality and evoke emotions. Handheld shots often lend an intimate, raw feel to scenes, placing viewers in the midst of action. Static shots, in contrast, allow for contemplation of landscapes or subjects.
Low-angle shots can make subjects appear powerful or imposing. High-angle shots may convey vulnerability or provide an overview of a scene. Close-ups reveal facial expressions and details, while wide shots establish context and environment.
Tracking shots follow subjects, creating a sense of movement and progression. Time-lapse photography compresses time, showing gradual changes in a condensed format.
Narrative Structures
Documentary narratives can take various forms to present information and engage audiences. Chronological structures unfold events in the order they occurred, providing a clear timeline.
Non-linear narratives jump between different time periods, creating connections between past and present. This approach can reveal hidden patterns or emphasize thematic links.
Some documentaries use a participatory style, with filmmakers actively involved in the story. Others adopt an observational approach, minimizing interference to capture events as they unfold naturally.
Expository documentaries rely on voiceovers or on-screen text to guide viewers through complex topics. Poetic documentaries focus on mood and visual associations rather than linear storytelling.
Use of Archival Footage
Archival footage plays a crucial role in many documentaries, especially those exploring historical subjects. This material can include old photographs, news reels, home videos, or official records.
Filmmakers often combine archival elements with contemporary footage to draw connections between past and present. This juxtaposition can highlight changes over time or persistent issues.
Colorization or restoration of black-and-white footage can make historical events feel more immediate and relatable to modern audiences. Slow motion or freeze frames of archival clips can emphasize specific moments or details.
Some documentarians creatively manipulate archival material, using techniques like collage or superimposition to create new meanings or visual metaphors.
Impact on Society and Culture
Documentaries from 2010 shaped public discourse and filmmaking techniques. These films tackled pressing social issues and introduced innovative storytelling approaches.
Influence on Public Opinion
Documentaries in 2010 sparked conversations on critical topics. "Blackfish" exposed the treatment of orcas in captivity, leading to significant changes at SeaWorld. The film's impact extended beyond the marine park industry, raising awareness about animal welfare.
"The Act of Killing" confronted Indonesia's dark history, encouraging national dialogue about past atrocities. Its unique approach, allowing perpetrators to reenact their crimes, challenged viewers' perspectives on guilt and reconciliation.
"Citizenfour" brought Edward Snowden's revelations to a global audience. The film intensified debates on government surveillance and digital privacy, influencing public opinion and policy discussions.
Documentary Trends in the 2010s
The 2010s saw a shift towards more personal, intimate storytelling. Filmmakers increasingly used first-person narratives to explore complex issues. "Strong Island" exemplified this trend, with director Yance Ford examining his brother's murder and systemic racism.
Interactive documentaries gained popularity. "The Act of Killing" blurred lines between reality and reenactment, while "The Prison in 12 Landscapes" offered a unique perspective on incarceration through seemingly unrelated locations.
Streaming platforms revolutionized documentary distribution. Netflix and other services made niche subjects accessible to wider audiences, fostering a new appreciation for the genre.
