Things to include in doc reviews

Most of these items should be in your documentary reviews, although some of them will not apply to all docs. The more research you do on the doc itself and on the subject the doc takes on, the more info you will be able to draw on in your review. The goal is to inform your reader as much as possible, while also being entertaining and critical.

Director’s portfolio (discuss most recent doc done, compare/contrast if relevant)

Why did they decide to do this particular doc? Where was it set? What/what is the topic/issue being covered?

Who do you think is the main audience for this doc?

What are the social/political/cultural contexts? (for “Fahrenheit 9/11” the context would be that it was released to influence the election, etc.)

Give summary of doc.
Identify main arguments/points made
What type of content is included? How is it edited/put together

If the doc does make specific arguments, what evidence does it present, and are the arguments convincing?

What is missing/left out?

Discuss aspects of style

Pace, production quality, use of taking head or voice-only narrator, narrative techniques used to start/end the doc or to move it along (like the Apocalypse Now/Vietnam theme used in WMD)

What were the most powerful moments?

What were the failed/disappointing moments?

Do you recommend watching the doc?