Mockumentary
Though the term was coined in reference to the groundbreaking 'This is Spinal Tap', Rob Reiner cannot claim ownership of the fake documentary genre. Woody Allen's debut as director 'Take the Money and Run' is an early example, but undoubtedly the number of these satirical slices of life has risen of late, reflecting the popularity (and banality) of reality television. Christopher Guest took the format and ran with it ('Best in Show', 'A MIghty Wind', 'Waiting for Guffman'), and classics include serial killer profile 'Man Bites Dog', Lars von Trier oddity 'The Idiots' and of course the cringingly accurate 'The Office'. Check out Alice's collection below.
Wim Wenders on Film: Lightning Over Water / The State of Things / A Trick of the Light (1995)
Director: Wim Wenders
Three overlooked gems from the iconic German filmmaker. 'Lightning Over Water (Nick's Movie)' is a heart-wrenching document of the last days of Wende... Read more
Le Donk and Scor-zay-zee (2009)
Director: Shane Meadows
Starring: Paddy Considine, Richard Graham, Dean Palinczuk, Olivia Colman, The Arctic Monke...
Rock 'n' roll roadie and failed musician Le Donk (Paddy Considine) has lived, loved and learned. Now he sees a great opportunity when he spots up-and-... Read more
Love Live Long (2008)
5.5/10
Director: Mike Figgis
Starring: Daniel Lapaine, Sophie Winkleman
Mike Figgis pushes the boundaries of cinema with this experimental digital feature about a chance encounter in Turkey. Originally approached to make a... Read more
For Your Consideration (2006)
6.3/10
Director: Christopher Guest
Starring: Christopher Guest, Catherine O'Hara, Harry Shearer, Parker Posey, Fred Willard,...
Christopher Guest turns his satirical mockumentary eye on the film industry, following the fortunes of a small independent drama that has attracted 'O... Read more
The Garth Method (2006)
4.7/10
Director: Gregory Pakis
Starring: Gregory Pakis, Katrina Baylis, Scott Terrill, Jamie Unicomb, Jo Buckley, Elena N...
Writer/director Gregory Pakis also stars in this nutty mockumentary about an out-of-work actor so desperate he decides to make his own film - by kidna... Read more
Angry Boys (2011)
7.8/10
Director: Chris Lilley
Starring: Chris Lilley, Deborah Jones, Greg Fairall
A mockumentary exploring the issues faced by young males in the 21st century - their influences, their pressures, their dreams and ambitions. Read more
JCVD (Blu-ray) (2008)
7.1/10
Director: Mabrouk El Mechri
Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Francois Damiens, Zinedine Soualem
Jean-Claude Van Damme plays himself in this unique, existential heist thriller with a dark comic streak. Down and out, with only straight-to-DVD title... Read more
Er ist wieder da (Look Who's Back) (2015)
7.1/10
Director: David Wnendt
Adolf Hitler wakes up in the 21st century. He quickly gains media attention, but while Germany finds him hilarious and charming, Hitler makes some ser... Read more
Chalk (2006)
6.3/10
Director: Mike Akel
Starring: Troy Schremmer, Chris Mass, Janelle Schremmer, Shannon Haragan
Life in the trenches at a typical American High School is hilariously satirised in this spot-on mockumentary that follows four beleaguered teachers th... Read more
Zelig (Blu-ray) (1983)
7.7/10
Director: Woody Allen
Starring: Garrett Brown, Mia Farrow, Will Holt, Woody Allen
Woody Allen's side-splitting comic documentary and a scathing attack on the shallowness of American culture. Allen plays Leonard Zelig, a man famous f... Read more