(I am revising question #1 that was authored by Bowdee Nolin.  I will put it in a more narrative form J)

 

 

 

Question:  Name and define each of the five divisions of the “voice” as they relate to documentary films and the voice of the orator.  After naming and defining each of the five divisions, list the major characteristics of each.

 

           

 

            The five divisions of voice are invention, arrangement, style, memory and delivery.  Each is distinct and important in their respective influence on documentary films and the voice of the orator.  To understand their individual importance, each division must be dissected and looked at as a separate entity.

            Invention is supporting an argument or position with physical evidence or proofs that are in line with social rules.  As the voice, it leads the viewer to a specific argument and states the cause.  Invention can be inartistic or artistic.  The evidence of an inartistic invention in not artificial or created.  Examples of this would be DNA tests, fingerprints, new casts, etc.  On the other hand, artistic evidence is artificial or created.  It is ethical, emotional or demonstrative in style.  Examples of this type of invention are re-created police shows and Emergency 911.  Invention follows the three “C’s” of rhetoric:  credible, convincing and compelling.

            Arrangement is the pattern or order of events of a rhetorical film.  An arranged voice weighs the information of the argument and puts it in a sequential order.  Arrangement is open-ended and at the filmmaker’s discretion.  With arrangement, both or all perspectives of an issue are presented.  This division triggers on evidence and emotion to persuade the viewer.

            Style incorporates all of the elements of film (talent, lighting, sound, cameras, dialogue, etc) to create the necessary tone for the film.  The style supports and/or characterizes the voice.  It is sometimes known as the “supporting cast.”  Style, like arrangement, is also at the filmmaker’s discretion.

            Memory is the visual representation, in its current state, as it unfolds or the re-calling of certain events and applying them to what is being viewed.  As the voice, memory impacts the viewer by presenting something to be remembered or presenting something to trigger an existing memory so that it can be applied to what is being viewed.

            Delivery is the way in which the dialogue and/or action is presented to support the argument.  It incorporates the voice (tone, volume, etc.) and gestures.  Since delivery incorporates the voice, you cannot have one without the other and meshing the two to fit the films demand is critical to its success and understanding.  The purpose of the film could be delivered in one of two styles:  connotative or denotative.  A connotative delivery relies on the viewer finding a “deeper” meaning, while a denotative delivery is “spelled-out” for the viewer.  Delivery incorporates the use of gestures, eloquence and decorum.  Gestures represent non-verbal communication and are important in portraying the correct performance and style of the film.  Eloquence and decorum measure the effectiveness of the film’s characteristics—most importantly the voice.

            Combining these five divisions properly can be very effective in documentaries.  But, not getting one just right could make the whole film a flop.  It is always important to look at each aspect of “voice” as it’s own individual project and then as a film as a whole.