Case study : Catfish

Catfish summary :
This harrowing story of the film maker Yanev and his online family as he calls them is followed to its final conclusion as they track down the real family behind the many emails, calls and online correspondence. It shows how real the online world really is and why it should not be trusted.

1. Which type of documentary mode is catfish, give examples how you know this ?
 This is a performative documentary because he has main role in the documentary not only is it about his story but the makers for example his brother are also in front of the camera as well as behind it.

2. explain your understanding of films title "catfish".What roles did Yaniv and Angela play in each others lives ?

This comes from a metaphor that means represents the old fish keeping the young alert and on there toes. This is exactly what Angela is Doing to Nev by keeping him guessing about the reality of this family and making life issues such as cancer as plot turns it keeps them fresh and makes them think on their toes.

3. In what ways is catfish similar to or different from other documentaries you have seen ?

Catfish has a weird way of framing the story as we only see Nev at interval during these complex times instead of delving into every detail we are kept guessing just like Nev himself. This makes a complex watch with thrown in issues and emotions this feels more realistic then most.

4. There has been some debate over the authenticity of the events in catfish. How does that affect the way you feel about the film ? Do you think the film intentionally blurs the line between documentary and drama ?

If this is not authentic the reality and emotions of the film are lost and you loose the connection you need to enjoy this film. The issues it faces would just be offensive to those that have possibly gone through the issues themselves. Overall this drains most of the entertainment from the film.I think that they have blurred the lines between drama and documentary but this has worked effectively it also the  audience to be emotionally hooked by the characters and they story line keeps them on there toes.

5. how is the making of the documentary as much as part of the film as the main storyline?

The making of the film is mostly in the documentry sue to it being made by the people effected by the story such as the filmaker and directer is the brother of the main charcter. This gives it a emotional connection. The whole film is filmed with handheld cameras making it appear more realistic and personal kind of like a home video. This direct contact with the film and story makes the whole occasian more believable and trackable.