Basil Wright : definitions of documentary

Abstract

A close textual analysis of the films of Basil Wright between 1931 and 1938. This work will give a fresh perspective on the working methods of one of the senior members of the British Documentary Movement. It will also discuss the influence exerted by the leader of this group John Grierson. Seven films will be looked at in detail beginning with The Country Comes to the Town and concluding with Face of Scotland. In these detailed analyses we will discuss how the ideological thinking of the group found expression through Wright The purpose of studying an individual is to judge what measure of freedom individual members of the unit were permitted. In seven chapters we will chart the growth of the movement from Gnerson's Dnfters in 1929 to Wright's Face of Scotland in 1938. During the period the Movement went through changes in direction which had a direct bearing on the style of Wright's work. In order to understand these changes we shall chart Wright's development from cutter in late 1929 to senior member in the late thirties. Each chapter will begin with socio-historical data on the subject Wnght was filming. Also included in this section is material on key personnel and details of shooting. This is followed with a close analysis of the form and meaning of Wright's style. In the conclusions we will discuss Gnerson's reaction to the films in question as well as giving further political and historical data. The purpose of this thesis is to re-evaluate Wright's early work and to judge how much it is a reflection of the middle-opinion group whose ideas on social policy find expression in some of the films.