Composition is one of the most powerful yet often overlooked aspects of documentary filmmaking. It shapes how audiences perceive a story, conveys emotion, and directs attention to crucial details within the frame.
By understanding and applying composition techniques, filmmakers can elevate their storytelling. It makes their documentaries more visually compelling and emotionally resonant. This article explores the impact of composition in documentary filmmaking, supported by six examples from notable films.
Cover photo by Mauricio Artieda
Understanding Composition in Documentary Filmmaking
Composition refers to how visual elements are arranged within a frame. In documentary filmmaking, composition is critical. It establishes the mood, guides the viewer’s eye, and reinforces the narrative. Some key principles include:
Rule of Thirds
Dividing the frame into a 3×3 grid and placing subjects along the intersecting points creates a balanced composition. This technique creates a visually pleasing and dynamic frame.
Leading Lines
Natural or artificial lines used to draw attention to key subjects or direct the viewer’s gaze. Roads, fences, hallways, or even eyelines can serve as leading lines.
Framing
Employing objects within the scene to frame the subject, adding depth and context. Doors, windows, or architectural elements can enclose subjects naturally.
Negative Space
Allowing empty areas in the frame to emphasize isolation or contemplation, reinforcing emotional weight.
Symmetry and Asymmetry
Balancing elements within the frame to create either harmony or tension. Perfect symmetry can provide a sense of order, while asymmetry adds dynamism.
Depth of Field
Controlling focus to separate subjects from the background or draw attention to details. A shallow depth of field isolates subjects, while a deep focus keeps all elements in sharp detail.
Examples of Composition in Documentary Filmmaking
1. “The Act of Killing” (2012) – Rule of Thirds in Surreal Reenactments
Joshua Oppenheimer’s The Act of Killing employs the rule of thirds in its surreal reenactments of past crimes. In one scene, the central figure is placed off to the side while elaborate, theatrical backdrops fill the remaining space, enhancing the unsettling contrast between reality and delusion.
2. “13th” (2016) – Negative Space in Interview Setups
Ava DuVernay’s 13th effectively uses negative space in interview compositions. In one sequence, an interviewee sits far off to the bottom, leaving a stark, empty background on the top. This visual reinforces the themes of systemic oppression and the historical weight carried by the subject.
3. “The Thin Blue Line” (1988) – Leading Lines in Crime Scene Reenactments
Errol Morris’s The Thin Blue Line employs leading lines in its stylized reenactments. A pivotal shot of a highway at night uses road markings and car headlights to guide the viewer’s gaze toward the vanishing point. It symbolizes the search for justice in a murky case.
4. “Koyaanisqatsi” (1982) – Symmetry and Motion in Time-Lapse Sequences
Godfrey Reggio’s Koyaanisqatsi masterfully uses symmetry and motion in its time-lapse footage of cities. In one unforgettable sequence, escalators and streets are framed symmetrically, emphasizing the mechanical, repetitive nature of urban life and its contrast with nature.
5. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (2018) – Close-Ups and Framing for Emotional Impact
Morgan Neville’s Won’t You Be My Neighbor? relies on intimate close-ups of Fred Rogers, often framed through doorways or tight interview setups. This technique creates an inviting, personal connection between Rogers and the audience. It reinforces his warmth and sincerity.
6. “Man on Wire” (2008) – High-Angle Perspective and Leading Lines
James Marsh’s Man on Wire uses high-angle perspectives and leading lines to recreate Philippe Petit’s famous tightrope walk. Aerial shots of the Twin Towers with converging lines direct attention to the wire, heightening the film’s sense of suspense and grandeur.
Final Words: Composition as a Storytelling Tool
In documentary filmmaking, composition is more than just aesthetics. It’s a storytelling tool that can enhance mood, reinforce themes, and guide audience perception. Whether through negative space, leading lines, or intimate close-ups, filmmakers can craft visuals that deepen the impact of their narratives.
Studying and applying these techniques can help viewers pay more attention to what is happening. Aspiring documentary filmmakers can create more visually compelling and emotionally engaging stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
