Documentary Viewing Post 1

Our Time directed by Matthew Heineman is a documentary created by 4 college-age kids. These kids traveled across all of the lower 48 states on a mission to discover the meaning behind being the youth of America in the 21st century. The film focused on college-age kids of all different classes, backgrounds, ethnicities, etc. It also talked briefly of the image that the older generations have of the youth. It addresses most common issues, including politics, society, culture, etc.

Some of the many rhetorical devices in this documentary include:

• music: Music is used through out the film to set the mood. The music is mostly calm and relaxing, as they show images of the group traveling across the country and talking with people in all different areas. This allows the film to flow and adds an interesting element.
• images: Spread throughout the film are series of photographs of the 4 kids who were traveling across the country at many different national parks. The parks are spread across the country. Adding this element gave the viewer an idea of the area of the country that would be focused on and added a way for the 4 kids to be a part of the film since it is largely focused away from them.
• audio: A few clips of radio static followed by a short radio blurb were added periodically throughout the film. This also helped show the viewer the area that they were traveling in rather than constantly showing their location in the same way. It added something unique, different, and intriguing.