Top Five Documentaries of the Noughties (2000/2010)

I adore Documentary. To me, it tells stories and reveals characters that you just couldn’t cook up for a blockbuster screenplay, no matter how hard even the most creative of souls try and conjure up something in their vivid imaginations. No other genre of film has such an ability to inspire change in the same manner as a good, thought provoking Doc, Thin Blue Line being the greatest example. It inspires discussion and debate, gives fascinating glimpses into complex lives and delves deep into the layers of a person via an interview and/or cinematic portrait of them.

From 2000 to 2010, there was a lovely influx of films that not only rose to the top of the Doc forefront, but also the forefront of mainstream cinema and film culture. Whilst a good film or television Documentary isn’t a rare occurrence, rarely does a title from such a category get muttered in the same breath as a big box office fictional movie.

This article looks at the top five from the Noughties decade, and there are also some honorable mentions featuring other powerful, thought provoking entries.

5- The Fog of War (2003)

Director: Errol Morris

In what could be considered a modern Frost/Nixon encounter, though without the same amount of controversy, Errol Morris’ visual portrait of Robert McNamara serves as a fascinating counterpart to Michael Moore’s aggressive and intensely bias anti-government titles.

While Moore’s work belittles those in power, Morris instead allows McNamara to explain his reasons, good and bad, in 11 lessons learned from his time in government.

The lessons themselves immediately give a composed, welcome and intriguing structure to the film, and serve as a telling personal account of someone in such a lofty position and his trials and tribulations during his run in such a hot seat.

It’s yet another feather in Morris’ cap, his CV already including the incredible Thin Blue Line, and a terrific film in it’s own right. It’s also worth looking at the respective lessons and wondering why governments that followed haven’t necessarily adhered to them. One of 2003’s finest films.

 

4- King of Kong (2007)

Director: Seth Gordon

Many of the staff here at Push-Start will no doubt have a fondness for retro games. But where do you draw the line between reminiscent fondness and sheer obsession? Just how dedicated would you be in order to have your name emblazoned in classic font at the top of a scoreboard?

To a casual, mainstream audience, it would be all too easy to portray these particular gaming fanatics as nerdy, bespectacled recluses. But Seth Gordon goes down a much more sincere and ultimately gripping route, following the rivalry between gaming guru Billy Mitchell and Science teacher Steve Wiebe and the story behind their quest to conquer each other, and in turn, the classic Donkey Kong arcade game.

Rarely has such an unexplored subject, even in gaming terms, been conveyed and brought to life in such a manner. The interviews which accompany the main story from the likes of Doris Self really add to the proceedings.

The cinematic style isn’t to everyone’s tastes, and some may find it a little too tongue in cheek for their liking. But ultimately I think it makes this title unique, and Gordon deserves the utmost credit for creating what is an absolute must have for your Doc collection.

 

3- Grizzly Man (2005)

Director: Werner Herzog

One of the most powerful films of 2005, Grizzly Man isn’t one for the faint of heart. Timothy Treadwell’s fascination with bears ultimately led to his undoing, but as Werner Herzog envokes, it was a fascination and an interest he was willing to risk his own safety and well being for right from the start of his thirteen-summer camping stint in Alaska.

The life of Treadwell is one full of mystery, and poses some tricky questions. Notably, was he actually more bear than man? It sounds a silly ponderment at face value, but the film makes no secret of the fact that he felt more comfortable around the company of these animals than he did in common, more traditional human social interactions. Other questions arise, looking at the boundaries between man and nature and just where one has to draw the line when it comes to contact with it.

There are some truly haunting clips, such as a revealing statement where Treadwell reveals he would “Die for these animals,” and another where he reveals “I will protect these bears with my last breath.”

It’s a mesmerizing, if at times a little uneasy look back on the life of a unique person. A man who, for all his risks, was someone who cared deeply about the protection of the bears and spent several hours over several summers trying to adapt with and understand their way of life. Excellent.

 

2- Supersize Me (2004)

Director: Morgan Spurlock

Morgan Spurlock’s infamous experiment has become the stuff of documentary legend. Aside from being a thoroughly entertaining watch, it encompasses several other qualities that truly make it stand out amongst its contemporaries.

Spurlock’s autobiographical approach to the story gives us a fascinating insight into his life. His charm and easy going manner make him effortlessly likeable and you’d be hard pressed to find a much better example of a filmmaker really connecting with his audience on such an affectionate and personal level.

As the story progresses and Spurlock’s body begins to break down from the excessive junk food intake, we can’t help but feel sympathy for him and almost beg him to stop. You have to admire his determination in the name of film to continue making such a project despite the advice of his doctors.

Shortly after the film, McDonalds dropped the supersize option from it’s menu. In addition, they would add a string of healthier alternatives, such as a “Deli of the Day” initiative akin to that of Subway.

It didn’t bankrupt Maccy D’s or even stop mass obesity, but the changes enforced by the company at least made them re-think their approach, therefore the film can only be considered a success. It forced change through the message it conveyed and the facts presented.

This isn’t just a documentary, this is an important part of film history from that decade. A film which inspired change and a resurgence of the personal diary sub-genre. Absolutely fantastic to watch.

 

1- Man on Wire (2008)

Director: James Marsh

The fact Philippe Petit is even able to recount his incredible feats is a spoiler in itself, yet when we watch not just the twin towers sequence, but others such as his walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, we still find ourselves absolutely gripped, captivated and mesmerised by his apparent total disregard for his own health and safety. But said disregard is mirrored by his drive and passion to defy all forms of human logic and to create a moment in time that will never be repeated.

Petit’s frank honesty at how fame changed his life and his obsession with fulfilling his crazed destiny which formulated over a decade leave you in complete admiration for him and his accomplishment. James Marsh does a fantastic job of glueing all of the relevant pieces of the film together, but it is Petit who serves as the catalyst for the awe-inspiring story being brought to life in such a fittingly splendid manner.

He once dubbed it “The artistic crime of the century.” Nobody could’ve said it better, and it also means that Man On Wire isn’t just a fantastic documentary, but also a brilliant heist movie too, as his cohorts explain in their own candid interviews. The hideout inside the towers, the planning and eventual execution of the fabled walk between the two buildings are all elements that drive the story forward at a pleasant pace.

In a word: Wonderful. Petit serves as an excellent host while Marsh finds the perfect blend between reconstructions, candid testimonials from friends and co-conspirators, music, pace and general storytelling. A must for your collection, documentary or otherwise.

 

Honorable mentions

Some may be surprised by Michael Moore’s lack of inclusion in the top five. I don’t care much for his one-sided and at times blatantly staged scenarios, but there’s no denying that both Bowling for Columbine (2002) and Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) are important pieces of text from the decade for the amount of debate and discussion they inspired. Speaking of which, Michael Moore Hates America (2004) by Michael Wilson is an interesting counterpart to those films and explores documentary codes and ethics in an engaging way. Capturing the Friedmans (2003) is another powerful documentary, as is 2009’s The Cove and 2002’s Spellbound.