Perhaps I’m being difficult, but I’m not deriving pleasure from documentaries the way I used to. I realize I’m speaking in generalities, please humor me.
I find the presentation of most modern docs so hyperdramatic and forced, it detracts from the underlying subject matter.
I would prefer if documentaries tried their best to collect and present information in a fascinating way, and present it as reasonably neutral as possible, with some leeway for the author’s voice. I don’t appreciate it when the superficial presentation constantly tries to cue me emotionally.
I really don’t understand why I have to have violen symphony music playing like it’s the eve of world war 3, and all the nukes are about to be launched, when I’m watching a documentary about snail parasites or particle collider research.
Even though it’s different auditorially, to me it’s the same principle as applying a laugh track to a comedy show. I don’t need it suggested to me when something is funny, and I don’t need to be cued by string orchestra music that something is serious or worrisome. Please trust me to make these judgments on my own!
I think all trends ebb and flow but this one seems to have taken root and it’s doesn’t seem to be letting up.
I wonder if other people feel this way, or if I’m just watching the wrong things?
I’m kind of with you on most American produced documentaries being obnoxiously dramatic. I especially hate when they add sound effects to historical footage. The exception that comes to mind is Ken Burns, emotional but not dramatized the way a History or Discovery channel show is.
Maybe try some of Werner Herzog’s documentary films? They definitely include music and are viewed through the directors artistic lens but they certainly meet your criteria of stylistically different.