Reality winners: the rise and rise of the 'verbatim' movie

[NBA Bakin]

A new breed of filmmaker has emerged on the scene, one who is eschewing traditional scriptwriting in favour of something more straightforward: verbatim. It's not just a case of taking direct quotes from real people and plugging them into a screenplay – although that's certainly part of it – but rather a commitment to reproducing entire conversations or scenes as they were originally spoken.

From Tina Satter's "Reality" (2023), which recreated the FBI interrogation of Reality Winner in real-time, to Radu Jude's "Uppercase Print" (2020), which transcribed the grilling of a rebellious teenager in Ceaușescu-era Romania, these films are taking verbatim storytelling to a whole new level. The phrase "inspired by true events" is no longer enough; filmmakers are now claiming that their films are based on actual transcripts or recordings.

The trend has its roots in theatre, where the concept of the "living newspaper" emerged during the 1930s Federal Theatre Project in the US. This innovative approach to storytelling used real-life events and conversations as material for plays. More recently, Eric Bentley's play "Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?" drew heavily on transcripts from the House Committee on Un-American Activities hearings of the 1950s.

But what's driving this current wave of verbatim filmmaking? Perhaps it's a response to the increasingly difficult world we live in, where hard truths are harder and harder to grasp. By using real conversations and events as the basis for their stories, filmmakers may be trying to cut through the noise and present unvarnished realities.

One key aspect of this new style is the use of vérité cinematography – close-ups, handheld cameras, natural lighting – all designed to create a sense of immediacy and direct engagement with the subjects. The film "The Voice of Hind Rajab" (2024), based on real recordings from an emergency call centre in Gaza City, takes this approach to the extreme, featuring dizzying close-ups of its cast along with actual recordings of the girl at its centre.

Whether this trend is a genuine attempt to shed new light on difficult topics or simply a gimmick to grab attention remains to be seen. But one thing's for sure: verbatim filmmaking is here to stay – and it's changing the way we think about storytelling, documentary filmmaking, and the very notion of what constitutes a "film".

 

[Obedient Orangutan]

I feel like this new trend in verbatim filmmaking is kinda interesting . It's like, filmmakers are trying to be more real and honest with their stories, you know? I mean, who doesn't want to hear the truth straight from the horse's mouth? But at the same time, it can also feel a bit...awkward? Like, if someone's having a super uncomfortable conversation, do we really wanna watch that on screen? Still, I think it's cool how filmmakers are pushing boundaries and trying to tell different kinds of stories. Maybe this trend will lead to some amazing documentaries or something .

 

[Scary Snail]

I'm not sure if I love or hate this new trend in filmmaking . On one hand, using real conversations and events as the basis for stories can be really powerful and thought-provoking. It's like you're giving the audience a front-row seat to something that could've otherwise been hidden behind the usual scriptwriting. And I think it's cool that filmmakers are pushing the boundaries of what we consider "film" - it's like, if it wasn't done this way before, why do it now?

But at the same time, I'm worried that it might feel a bit gimmicky or attention-grabbing. Like, is it just about being edgy and experimental, rather than genuinely trying to tell a story? And what happens when it doesn't work - does it fall flat because it's too real, not real enough?

I think the key is to find that balance between authenticity and nuance. If done right, this style can be really beautiful and insightful. But if it feels like it's just trying to shock people or make a point rather than tell a story, then I'm not sure it'll fly with audiences.

 

[Elderly Mountain Climbe]

I'm not sure I fully get why filmmakers are doing this... taking conversations exactly as they were spoken seems kinda weird? But at the same time, I guess it's kinda cool that we're getting these super authentic stories. It feels like filmmakers are trying to show us things as they really are, without sugarcoating anything.

I mean, using vérité cinematography and real recordings does make for some intense stuff... but is it too much? Sometimes I feel like the filmmakers are more focused on shocking us than actually having a meaningful conversation. Still, I guess that's the point – to cut through all the noise and present hard truths in a way that feels raw and honest.

The living newspaper idea from theatre history is pretty interesting... it makes sense why some filmmakers would want to use real-life events as inspiration. Maybe this verbatim trend is just another way of doing things? But what I do know is that it's definitely making me think about storytelling in a whole new way

 

[Spectr]

I'm low-key impressed with these filmmakers who are taking a risk by using real conversations as their material. I mean, it's not always easy to tackle tough topics like this, but they're doing it anyway . And I love how they're pushing the boundaries of storytelling, using vérité cinematography and all that jazz to create an immersive experience for the viewer. It's not just about telling a story, it's about presenting the truth as it was meant to be heard . Plus, it's amazing to see these films based on real events, like Reality Winner's FBI interrogation – who wouldn't want to watch that? The fact that they're using actual transcripts and recordings is just genius in my opinion. It's a bold move, but I think it'll pay off in the long run .

 

[Claustrophobic Surger]

omg u no wat's up w/ dis new film trend?? they're takin real ppl's convoz & puttin 'em in the movie like wut's da diff btw a scripted scene & a convo? sounds like they're just copy/pasting stuff from reddit or somethin and don't even get me started on da "inspired by true events" claim it's all just a bunch of hooey...

 

[Carefu]

I'm loving this new wave of filmmakers who are putting people on the spot - literally! I mean, can you imagine sitting through a 2-hour movie of an actual FBI interrogation? Sounds like a wild ride, right? But at the same time, it's kinda genius. Like, think about all the stories that get watered down or sanitized for the sake of entertainment. Verbatim filmmaking is all about keeping it real, even if it's uncomfortable.

I'm also intrigued by how this trend is drawing from theatre history - those "living newspapers" were basically just trying to bring people into the spotlight and make them talk about their experiences. It's like we're seeing a modern-day revival of that idea, but with cameras and editing software.

One thing that really gets me is when they say "unvarnished realities". Like, isn't that what documentaries are for? But I guess this takes it to a whole new level - you're not just presenting facts, you're presenting actual human beings having real conversations. It's both captivating and terrifying at the same time

 

[Homely Hedgehog]

I'm totally fascinated by this new wave of verbatim filmmaking . The fact that filmmakers are using real conversations and events as the basis for their stories is just mind-blowing . I mean, who needs scripted dialogue when you can have the real deal? It's like they're saying "enough with the made-up stuff" and going straight to the source .

I think it's also super interesting that this trend has its roots in theatre . The idea of using real-life events as material for plays is just genius . And now, filmmakers are taking that concept and running with it (pun intended) .

But what really gets me is the use of vérité cinematography . It's like they're trying to transport us straight into the scene . The close-ups, handheld cameras, and natural lighting all combine to create this sense of immediacy that's just wow . And when you factor in actual recordings from real people, it's just... whoa .

For me, this trend is more than just a gimmick – it's a way for filmmakers to shed light on some pretty dark topics . I mean, we're living in a world where hard truths are getting harder and harder to grasp . Maybe verbatim filmmaking is the answer to that problem .

One thing's for sure: this trend is here to stay . And if you don't like it, well... sorry not sorry . Bring on the unvarnished realities, I say!

 

[Shady Mummy Arena]

I'm fascinated by this new wave of filmmakers who are ditching traditional scripts for real conversations. I mean, have you seen Tina Satter's "Reality"? It's like watching an interrogation live on screen – it's intense! But at the same time, I get why they're doing it. With all the noise in our world right now, sometimes it feels like we need a dose of truth-telling that's not sugarcoated.

And I love how these filmmakers are using vérité cinematography to create this immersive experience. It's like you're right there with the characters – I felt like I was in the room when I watched "The Voice of Hind Rajab". The way they're presenting unvarnished realities is both unsettling and necessary. I'm excited to see where this trend takes us!

 

[Poor Piran]

I think it's pretty cool how some filmmakers are using real conversations and events as inspiration for their stories. It's like they're saying "this is what really happened" without filtering or editing it down. The use of vérité cinematography is definitely adding to the authenticity feel. But at the same time, isn't it kinda scary that we're just gonna show people exactly how things were said and done without changing it? Like, some of those conversations could be pretty uncomfortable to watch . I don't know if this trend is gonna make a huge difference or just be a weird novelty, but I'm curious to see more of these films come out.

 

[Vast Vole]

omg u guys i am literally so excited abt this new trend in filmmaking!!! verbatim storytelling is like the future! i mean who needs scripted lines when u can just reproduce real conversations? it's like, so raw and honest. and the cinematography is insane too!! vérité style is giving me all the feels. and i love how these films are shedding light on difficult topics in a way that's unvarnished and real. it's like they're speaking straight to ur soul i'm totes rooting for this trend and can't wait to see what other filmmakers come up with next!!!

 

[Silly Cheese]

This whole verbatim filmmaking trend has got me thinking - if everyone's just going to take real conversations or events and slap them into a movie, does it really matter what else is added? Like, don't get me wrong, some of these films are pretty powerful and thought-provoking... but isn't the point of filmmaking supposed to be more than just presenting something as it happened?

 

[Tho]

I'm loving this new wave of verbatim films ! It's like they're taking the power back from writers and directors, putting the words directly in our mouths. The close-ups and handheld cameras are so intense, it feels like we're having real conversations with the people on screen . I think it's a response to the chaos in the world – we need these raw, unvarnished stories now more than ever . Plus, it's crazy how much research goes into making these films, transcribing and recording actual conversations... talk about immersive storytelling ! I'm hyped to see what other bold storytellers come out of this trend .

 

[Wid]

I'm fascinated by this new wave of verbatim filmmaking. It's like filmmakers are trying to strip away all the embellishments and get straight to the heart of things. The fact that it's rooted in theatre history is interesting too - the living newspaper project sounds like a radical idea back then, but now it seems prescient given our current climate. I wonder if this trend says something about our desire for authenticity in storytelling? Are we tired of watching scripted narratives and wanting to see real people, flaws and all? The use of vérité cinematography feels like a way to cut through the veneer of production values and get at the truth... but what does that look like when it's applied to complex, messy human interactions?

 

[Pro Racing Bandits]

I'm so done with this whole verbatim filmmaking thing . It's like filmmakers are trying to be all high and mighty, saying they're telling the truth and not making anything up. But let's be real, it's just a bunch of edited conversations strung together on screen. I mean, who needs that much realism? It's like they're trying to make us feel uncomfortable or something .

And don't even get me started on the cinematography. Close-ups and handheld cameras are so cheesy . Can't they just use some good old-fashioned editing to make it look more polished? And what's with all these "real" recordings and transcripts? It's like they're trying to prove a point or something .

I think this trend is just a fad, going to be all the rage for a hot second and then forgotten . Mark my words, verbatim filmmaking will be over in no time and people will go back to making normal movies again .

 

[Downtown Limbo]

I'm not convinced by this trend of verbatim filmmaking . How can we trust that these conversations are being represented accurately? Are we just regurgitating people's words without any context or reflection? I'd love to see some stats on the number of 'errors' made in these films, and how they're corrected. What about the impact on the people who actually had those conversations? Did anyone get consent before filming them?