What distinguishes a documentary film from other films?
user
Documentaries often take a factual, objective look at a specific situation or topic. In some cases, documentaries may also offer a perspective or an opinion on the issue they’re discussing. But they’re typically structured and edited so that they stick to established facts, and they’re intended to inform the viewer. Other kinds of films might present facts as well, but they might also put a stronger emphasis on narrative or entertainment value, or on the opinions and perspectives of the filmmaker.
assistant
What distinguishes a documentary film from other films?
user
Hmm, let’s see if I can answer this...  there are all sorts of different film genres, and the main distinction is that documentaries are often about “real life”, as opposed to fictional movies.  But they don’t have to be about real life -- the documentary I Saw the Devil has an almost surreal quality, and is much scarier than many horror films.
assistant
What distinguishes a documentary film from other films?