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Prono Vérité: A New Genre of Documentary Filmmaking

JessyNovember 13, 2023Last Updated: November 13, 2023

137 3 minutes read

Prono vérité is a new genre of documentary filmmaking that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its raw, unedited style and its focus on the personal lives of the subjects. Prono vérité films are often shot on handheld cameras and feature interviews with the subjects that are conducted in a direct and intimate way.

One of the first prono vérité films was “Bowling for Columbine” (2002) by Michael Moore. In this film, Moore investigates the causes of the Columbine High School massacre and interviews a variety of people, including gun manufacturers, politicians, and victims’ families. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to popularize the prono vérité genre.

Other notable prono vérité films include “Fahrenheit 9/11” (2004) by Moore, “Super Size Me” (2004) by Morgan Spurlock, and “Man on Wire” (2008) by James Marsh. These films all feature subjects who are directly involved in the stories they are telling, and they all offer a unique and personal perspective on important social issues.

What is Prono Vérité?

Prono vérité is a French term that means “truth cinema.” It is a genre of documentary filmmaking that is characterized by its raw, unedited style and its focus on the personal lives of the subjects. Prono vérité films are often shot on handheld cameras and feature interviews with the subjects that are conducted in a direct and intimate way.

Prono vérité filmmakers are interested in capturing reality as it unfolds, without any interference from the filmmaker. They believe that the best way to tell a story is to let the subjects speak for themselves. Prono vérité films are often controversial, as they can deal with sensitive or taboo subjects. However, they are also often praised for their honesty and courage.

The History of Prono Vérité

The prono vérité genre emerged in the early 2000s, although there are some earlier examples of films that share its characteristics. One of the earliest prono vérité films is “Primary” (1960) by Robert Drew and Richard Leacock. This film documents the 1960 presidential primary campaign of John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey.

Another early prono vérité film is “Grey Gardens” (1975) by Albert and David Maysles. This film documents the lives of Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter Edie Beale, two eccentric relatives of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

However, it was not until the early 2000s that the prono vérité genre began to gain popularity. This was due in part to the success of films like “Bowling for Columbine” and “Fahrenheit 9/11.” These films showed that prono vérité films could be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

The Characteristics of Prono Vérité Films

Prono vérité films are characterized by a number of key features:

Raw, unedited style: Prono vérité films are often shot on handheld cameras and feature minimal editing. This gives the films a raw and authentic feel.
Focus on the personal lives of the subjects: Prono vérité films often focus on the personal lives of the subjects. This can include their relationships, their families, and their work.
Direct interviews: Prono vérité filmmakers often conduct direct interviews with the subjects. These interviews are often conducted in a conversational way, and they can be quite revealing.
Controversial subject matter: Prono vérité films often deal with sensitive or taboo subjects. This can include topics such as sex, drugs, violence, and poverty.

The Impact of Prono Vérité

Prono vérité has had a significant impact on the documentary film genre. It has helped to popularize the use of handheld cameras and direct interviews. It has also shown that documentary films can be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

Prono vérité films have also had an impact on society as a whole. They have helped to raise awareness of important social issues and to challenge the status quo. Prono vérité films can be powerful tools for social change.

Conclusion:

Prono vérité is a new and exciting genre of documentary filmmaking. It is characterized by its raw, unedited style and its focus on the personal lives of the subjects. Prono vérité films can be controversial, but they are also often praised for their honesty and courage. Prono vérité has had a significant impact on the documentary film genre and on society as a whole.