Oasis- Behind the Music Analysis

This analysis of this programme will assist me in understanding how to present a documentary about a band. I will look at and analyse certain aspects of the documentary such as the cinematography, mise en scene, sound, video editing and the narration. I chose to examine Oasis because they are an iconic Manchester band and are well known in the media for their rebellious acts. The fictitious band that I will create will have similar themes and characteristics to Oasis. I will analyse the first two minutes of the documentary.

In the opening sequence of the documentary there is juxtaposition of images of the band. These images include Noel and Liam committing rebellious acts such as openly swearing fighting and drinking excessively. This montage is used to support the presence of the band to the media and public. Also immediately after there is a short clip of the band being followed by the press and Noel burps into the microphone; this is considered rude and inappropriate to most people and supports the image of the unmanageable Oasis. They even “self-dubbed themselves as the bad boys of rock”. This idea of Oasis being defiant is once again supported when Liam describes his vision of “proper rock & roll” as being “cigarettes, cocaine and Jack Daniels.”

To make the documentary entertaining, it had to contain vulgar and dissenting content because that’s what the audience want to see. The target audience of this documentary will obviously be fans of Oasis and they would expect to see drug usage, extreme drinking and abusive language from the band. It also includes some essence of comedy and sarcasm to keep information more interesting. An illustration of this is when the narrator Fern Cotton begins to describe Oasis and the members in a positive manner whilst immediately after each comment, the documentary shows Oasis committing a complete contradiction of the compliment. For example Fern refers to Oasis being “polite and egotistical” and directly after it shows Liam and Noel swearing, pushing the press away and they refer to themselves as “the best band in the world”. It also includes the topic of the family feud between Liam and Noel Gallagher. Their arguments and squabbles are well played to the media and can be related to by viewers who have siblings of their own and they will see this as amusing.

The content of the opening scene to ‘Oasis- Behind the Music’ is very similar to what I aim to achieve with my final product. I want be able to introduce an overview of the band with useful funny and simple information. I will also need a narrator with a strong Manchurian accent to represent the band’s origins too.

Oasis- Behind The Music (2000)

Things to Consider

For me to successfully create and produce an entertaining documentary, I need to research what skills are required and what techniques can be used to accomplish a successful factual presentation. I need to consider what innermost target is and how I achieve it.

Narration:

The narrator provides a voice-over that comments throughout the film. This allows the film maker to speak directly to the viewers, offering opinions and explanations. It is also essential on who I chose for the narration. Usually gender and age are put into consideration so that he/she fits into the context of the documentary. For example, a documentary about women’s rights would be more suitably accompanied by a woman voice. In a professional documentary, the film maker would usually choose someone who has a voice that is well recognised in their area of work.

Interviews:

            The interviews are essential in a documentary; they are primarily used for opinions gathered from random people, celebrities or relative experts. It allows the speaker to directly answer the questions prompted by the film maker. This gives a sense of realism and allows the film maker’s views to mutually agree upon with the interviewee or source and therefore makes it more valid. The interview can usually last up to an hour with each person but thee is only a few minutes usually shown; this is done so that the interview remains detailed but short. The interviewer must make sure that all questions asked have a rationale that support the main theme presented with the documentary. Therefore the viewer feels as though this is the only analysis and this makes the viewer believe that this opinion is true. However it is possible to show two opposing so that the audience is able to view comprehensive information.

Conventions of Documentary

For me to successfully create and produce an entertaining documentary, I need to research what skills are required and what techniques can be used to accomplish a successful factual presentation. To ensure that I produce a successful documentary it is important to consider what standards are essential. According to Michael Rabiger, author of ‘Directing the Documentary’ (Focal Press, 1998) Here is what I should include in my final product:

·        The documentary should always tell a compelling and interesting story

·        The product should aim to convey a personal, critical perspective on some aspect of opinion.

·        Include interesting characters who are exciting and opinionated

·        Should contain contextual information that varies throughout the product.

·        I should be sure to include some dramatic sequences and moments with suspense and make them evaluate, wonder or concern.

·        There should be a confrontation between two opposing sides which reaches a climax and is then resolved.