Top Documentaries of 1970
Groundbreaking Films That Shaped a Decade
The 1970s marked a significant era for documentary filmmaking, with numerous groundbreaking works that pushed the boundaries of the genre. These films captured the spirit of a decade characterized by social change, cultural upheaval, and artistic innovation. Documentaries from this period offered viewers unique insights into various aspects of life, from music and politics to personal stories and societal issues.
Many of the documentaries produced during the 1970s continue to be celebrated and studied today. They showcase a range of styles and approaches, from observational cinema to more experimental techniques. The films of this decade not only documented important events and figures but also helped shape the future of non-fiction storytelling in cinema.
1) Woodstock (1970)
Woodstock stands as a landmark documentary capturing the iconic 1969 music festival. Directed by Michael Wadleigh, the film offers an immersive look at the three-day event that defined a generation.
The documentary showcases electrifying performances from legendary artists like Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Janis Joplin. It skillfully interweaves concert footage with candid moments of attendees, providing a holistic view of the festival atmosphere.
Woodstock's innovative editing techniques, credited to a team including Martin Scorsese and Thelma Schoonmaker, set a new standard for concert films. The use of split-screen and montage effectively conveys the festival's energy and scale.
The film not only chronicles the music but also captures the spirit of peace, love, and community that permeated the event. It serves as a time capsule of the 1960s counterculture movement.
Woodstock received critical acclaim and commercial success upon its release. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, cementing its place in cinematic history.
2) Gimme Shelter (1970)
Gimme Shelter is a landmark documentary that follows the Rolling Stones on their 1969 U.S. tour. Directed by David Maysles, Albert Maysles, and Charlotte Zwerin, the film captures one of the darkest moments in rock history.
The documentary culminates with the infamous Altamont Free Concert. This event, meant to be a West Coast Woodstock, turned tragic when the Hells Angels were hired as security. The chaos that ensued resulted in violence and a fatality.
Gimme Shelter's raw footage provides an unfiltered look at the end of the 1960s counterculture. It showcases the Rolling Stones at the height of their fame and the unraveling of the peace and love era.
The film's impact extends beyond its subject matter. Its cinéma vérité style influenced future documentaries and helped establish the Maysles brothers as pioneers of the genre.
Gimme Shelter remains a powerful time capsule of a pivotal moment in music and cultural history. It continues to be regarded as one of the greatest rock documentaries ever made.
More information on Gimme Shelter
3) The Manson Family
The Manson Family murders shocked America in 1969, sparking intense public fascination. Several documentaries explored this dark chapter of history in 1970.
"Manson" (1970) by Robert Hendrickson and Laurence Merrick offered an early look at the Manson Family. It featured interviews with cult members and footage from Spahn Ranch. [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068918/]
"Charlie Manson: The Incredible Story of the Most Dangerous Man Alive" (1970) provided a quick response to the crimes. This TV documentary aired just months after the murders, examining Manson's background and the cult's activities. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Manson]
These early documentaries laid the groundwork for decades of exploration into the Manson Family. They captured the raw emotions and confusion surrounding the case, offering viewers a glimpse into the cult's world.
While some footage from these films has become iconic, they also faced criticism for potentially sensationalizing the crimes. Nevertheless, they remain important historical documents of a pivotal moment in American culture.
4) The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich (1968)
This compelling documentary offers a comprehensive look at Nazi Germany's history. Based on William L. Shirer's bestselling book, it chronicles Adolf Hitler's rise to power and the subsequent fall of the Third Reich.
The film uses extensive archival footage and photographs to bring the Nazi era to life. It covers key events from Hitler's early days in politics to the aftermath of World War II.
Narrated by Richard Basehart, the documentary provides insights into the social and political climate that allowed fascism to take hold in Germany. It examines the Nazi party's propaganda techniques and their impact on the German people.
The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich also explores the horrors of the Holocaust and the Nazi regime's brutal expansion across Europe. It concludes with Germany's defeat and the Nuremberg trials.
This documentary stands out for its thorough research and unflinching portrayal of one of history's darkest chapters. It serves as both a historical record and a warning about the dangers of totalitarianism.
5) The Great American Cowboy
The Great American Cowboy (1973) offers a thrilling glimpse into the world of competitive rodeo. Directed by Kieth Merrill, this documentary won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1974.
The film focuses on the fierce rivalry between two rodeo champions, Larry Mahan and Phil Lyne. It follows their quest for the Rodeo Cowboys Association all-around world championship title.
Narrated by Joel McCrea, the documentary showcases spectacular rodeo action. It employs innovative editing techniques and camera work to capture the excitement of the sport.
The Great American Cowboy provides insight into the lives of modern cowboys, contrasting them with their historical counterparts. It explores themes of masculinity and tradition in American culture.
With its stunning visuals and compelling narrative, the film offers viewers an immersive experience of the 1970s rodeo circuit. It remains a significant work in the documentary genre, praised for its authenticity and technical prowess.
6) Salesman
Salesman (1969) offers a raw glimpse into the lives of door-to-door Bible salesmen in the late 1960s. Directed by Albert and David Maysles along with Charlotte Zwerin, this documentary follows four salesmen as they traverse the American Northeast and Miami.
The film's main focus is Paul "The Badger" Brennan, a seasoned salesman struggling to meet his quotas. Through intimate footage, viewers witness the emotional toll of constant rejection and financial pressure on these men.
Salesman employs the direct cinema style, avoiding narration and allowing events to unfold naturally before the camera. This approach provides an unfiltered look at the salesmen's tactics and the often reluctant responses of their potential customers.
The documentary garnered critical acclaim upon its release, with Gene Siskel including it in his list of the ten best films of 1970. Its honest portrayal of working-class struggles and the American Dream resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Salesman's influence extends beyond its initial release, cementing its place as a pivotal work in documentary filmmaking. Its unflinching examination of the human condition continues to captivate viewers decades later.
More information on Salesman (1969)
7) Elvis: That's the Way It Is (1970)
Elvis: That's the Way It Is captures Elvis Presley's return to live performances after a decade focused on making films. Directed by Denis Sanders, this documentary provides an intimate look at the King of Rock and Roll's Summer Festival in Las Vegas.
The film showcases Presley's rehearsals, pre-concert preparations, and captivating stage performances. Viewers get a glimpse of Elvis's interactions with his band members and behind-the-scenes moments that reveal his personality off-stage.
Fans of Elvis are treated to a mix of classic hits and new material performed during his Las Vegas residency. The documentary highlights Presley's musical versatility and charismatic stage presence that had been absent from the public eye for years.
Elvis: That's the Way It Is serves as a valuable historical record of Presley's career renaissance. It offers insights into his creative process and the effort involved in putting together a large-scale live production.
The film stands as a testament to Elvis Presley's enduring appeal and his ability to captivate audiences even after years away from live performances.
8) End of the Road: How Money Became Worthless (2012)
"End of the Road: How Money Became Worthless" examines the 2008 global financial crisis and its aftermath. The documentary explores the causes and consequences of the economic turmoil that shook the world.
The film delves into the complexities of the financial system and how it led to the crash. It features interviews with experts who provide insights into the mechanisms behind the crisis.
Wall Street and its practices come under scrutiny in this thought-provoking documentary. The filmmakers investigate the role of banks and financial institutions in the economic meltdown.
The documentary also looks at the government's response to the crisis, including bailouts and stimulus packages. It questions the effectiveness of these measures in addressing the underlying issues.
"End of the Road" discusses the long-term impacts of the financial crisis on global economies. The film raises concerns about the stability of the monetary system and its future.
Viewers are presented with a critical examination of how money functions in modern society. The documentary challenges conventional understanding of currency and its value.
More information about the film
9) The Hired Hand (1971)
Peter Fonda's directorial debut, "The Hired Hand," is a contemplative Western that stands out among the films of its era. Despite not being a documentary, its artistic approach and exploration of human relationships make it noteworthy in 1970s cinema.
The film stars Fonda alongside Warren Oates and Verna Bloom. It tells the story of Harry Collings, a drifter who returns home to his wife and farm after years of wandering.
Vilmos Zsigmond's cinematography captures the harsh beauty of the American Southwest. The film's visual style, combined with Bruce Langhorne's haunting score, creates a dreamlike atmosphere.
"The Hired Hand" examines themes of loyalty, redemption, and the challenges of domestic life. Its slow pace and introspective tone set it apart from typical Westerns of the time.
While not commercially successful upon release, the film has since gained recognition as an underappreciated gem of 1970s American cinema.
10) The Last Day of Summer (1971)
"The Last Day of Summer" is a poignant Polish documentary directed by Tadeusz Konwicki. It captures the bittersweet feeling of summer's end through the eyes of two young people on a beach.
The film explores themes of youth, fleeting moments, and the passage of time. Konwicki's minimalist approach allows the natural beauty of the seaside setting to shine through.
With sparse dialogue and a focus on visual storytelling, the documentary creates a dreamlike atmosphere. It invites viewers to reflect on their own memories of summers past.
"The Last Day of Summer" gained critical acclaim for its lyrical style and emotional resonance. It remains a significant work in Polish cinema of the 1970s.
More information on "The Last Day of Summer"
Cinematic Context of the 1970s
The 1970s marked a transformative period for documentary filmmaking. Political upheaval and technological innovations shaped the landscape of nonfiction cinema during this decade.
Political and Social Influences
The Vietnam War and Watergate scandal profoundly impacted documentary filmmaking in the 1970s. Filmmakers adopted a more critical approach to authority figures and institutions. Anti-war documentaries like "Hearts and Minds" (1974) gained prominence, exposing the realities of conflict.
Civil rights movements and second-wave feminism also influenced documentaries of this era. Films like "The Woman's Film" (1971) gave voice to marginalized groups and challenged societal norms.
Environmental concerns began to take center stage, with documentaries like "Earthrise" (1970) reflecting growing ecological awareness.
Technological Advancements
The introduction of portable video cameras revolutionized documentary filmmaking in the 1970s. This new technology allowed for more intimate and spontaneous footage, leading to the rise of cinéma vérité style.
Synchronized sound recording became more accessible, enabling filmmakers to capture authentic conversations and ambient audio with greater ease.
Advancements in film stock and lighting equipment improved image quality in low-light conditions, expanding the range of subjects and locations available to documentarians.
These technological innovations paved the way for more diverse and experimental approaches to documentary storytelling throughout the decade.
Notable Filmmakers and Influences
The 1970s saw groundbreaking documentary filmmakers emerge and draw inspiration from various sources. These directors pushed the boundaries of non-fiction storytelling and left a lasting impact on the genre.
Pioneers of the Documentary Genre
Albert and David Maysles revolutionized documentary filmmaking with their direct cinema approach. Their 1975 film "Grey Gardens" offered an intimate portrait of eccentric socialites, setting new standards for observational documentaries.
Frederick Wiseman's institutional critiques, like "Hospital" (1970), showcased his signature fly-on-the-wall style. He avoided narration and interviews, letting raw footage speak for itself.
Barbara Kopple's "Harlan County, USA" (1976) demonstrated the power of immersive documentaries. Her on-the-ground coverage of a miners' strike earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award.
Influences from Other Genres
The 1970s documentary scene drew inspiration from narrative filmmaking techniques. Directors incorporated dramatic elements to enhance storytelling and audience engagement.
Music documentaries like "Woodstock" (1970) borrowed from concert films, blending performance footage with behind-the-scenes moments. This approach captured the era's cultural zeitgeist and influenced future music documentaries.
Some filmmakers incorporated elements of experimental cinema. Stan Brakhage's avant-garde techniques influenced documentarians to explore unconventional visual styles and narrative structures.
Political documentaries of the era often adopted journalistic approaches, combining investigative reporting with cinematic techniques to create compelling exposés.
