John Grierson

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses John Grierson, his life, activities, his influential character and achievements, and states that he was the moving force behind the development of the documentary film in the 1930s. He was a filmmaker, producer and a guide to many young filmmakers. The paper notes that Grierson was a man who valued truth above all else and saw the documentary as a way of seeking that truth and then bringing it to the attention of the masses. The paper also discusses how Grierson recognized the value of segmenting his film-making into various categories, such as straight documentaries, educational and entertaining films, and directed them as political tools. Additionally, the paper looks at how Grierson experimented with different techniques, introducing music to his film making. He served as a teacher and model to others.

Outline:
Introduction
Biography
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"With the success of Drifters, Grierson was able to further his ideas, but rather than directing other films, he devoted his time to building up a film unit and training its members, gathering young men of like mind, including Basil Wright, Arthur Elton, Stuart Legg, Paul Rotha, John Taylor, Harry Watt, Donald Taylor, Edgar Anstey, and more. these men were "united by a common enthusiasm and a common aim". The E.M.B. Film Unit in the early 1930s had an atmosphere that was energizing and inspirational, with Grierson being one of the main reasons for this state of affairs. He also saw the documentary film as basically a British movement, and certainly Britain was welcoming to him and the movement and offered considerable support."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Atkins, Thomas R. "Frederick Wiseman's America: Titicut Follies to Primate." In The Documentary Tradition, Lewis Jacobs (ed.), 536-550. New York: Norton, 1979.
• Barna, Yon. Eisenstein: The Growth of a Cinematic Genius. Boston: Little, Brown, 1973.
• Bates, Peter. (1989). "Truth not guaranteed: an interview with Errol Morris." Cineaste 17 (1989), 16-17.
• Bell, Fraser. "The Dominie and the Covenant: The Grierson Touch." Queen's Quarterly, Volume 111, Issue 2 Summer 2004), 225.
• Bondanella, Peter, Italian Cinema from Neorealism to the Present. New York: Peter Ungar, 1983.

More papers on John Grierson:

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