Documentaries
Documentary Films, strictly speaking, are non-fictional, "slice of life" factual works of art, sometimes known as cinema verite. As films became more narrative-based, documentaries branched out and took many forms, some of which have been termed propagandistic or non-objective.
One of Alice's favourite sections, and due to the sheer size of this collection, we have split ioto a number of sub-sections. See side bars on left for more options. By scrolling below are you will be exposed to whole darn caboodle - all of Alice's documentaries.
Right: Werner Herzog directs "Burden of Dreams"
Our Heritage (1981)
3/10
Originally produced for TVNZ by Peter Pedrotti, these eloquent shorts document the life and times of early New Zealand settlers, incorporating histori... Read more
The Wing (1981)
Director: David Hoffman
When there was a Soviet Union, when the wall was up in Germany, when there was an Eastern and Western Europe at odds with each other, there was an eli... Read more
This Is Elvis (1981)
7.5/10
Director: Andrew Solt, Malcolm Leo
Starring: David Scott, Paul Boensh Iii, Johnny Harra
Unusual documentary combines actual footage along with actors playing Elvis at various parts of his life. Includes both the original 1981 theatrical... Read more
Arthur C Clarke's Mysterious World (1980)
Starring: Arthur C Clarke
From Stonehenge to California and from Peru to Siberia, acclaimed sci-fi author Sir Arthur C Clarke ("2001: A Space Odyssey") investigates the stories... Read more
The Fantastic World of M.C. Escher (1980)
6.3/10
Director: Michele Emmer
An interesting look at the art and theory behind the work of M.C. Escher (1898 - 1972). This documentary explores the imagination, inspiration and mat... Read more
Sir Edmund Hillary: Beyond Everest (1980)
5.9/10
Director: Michael Dillon
Starring: Edmund Hillary
Sir Edmund Hillary's ground-breaking ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 amazed the world. In this fitting tribute to Sir Ed's extraordinary life witness... Read more
From Mao to Mozart (1980)
7.7/10
Director: Murray Lerner
Starring: Isaac Stern, David Golub, Tan Shuzhen
An excellent documentary covering a tour to China by violinist Isaac Stern. The scenes showing his instructing young and talented musicians are superb... Read more
The Killing Of America (1980)
7.7/10
Director: Sheldon Renan
This documentary had a sensationally high profile when first released. Footage covers actual killings, interviews are conducted with killers like Sirh... Read more
Koko - A Talking Gorilla (1978)
7.5/10
Director: Barbet Schroeder
In 1977, acclaimed director Barbet Schroeder and cinematographer Nestor Almendros entered the universe of the world's most famous primate to create th... Read more
Gates of Heaven (1978)
7.5/10
Director: Errol Morris
One of the funniest and most bizarrely touching documentaries ever filmed, Errol Morris' tribute to "puppy love" looks at the operators and customers... Read more