Drawn from Life
Issues and Themes in Animated Documentary Cinema
Jonathan Murray editor Nea Ehrlich editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Edinburgh University Press
Published:25th Aug '20
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

This insightful book explores the innovative use of animation in documentary filmmaking, examining how it influences our understanding of reality. Drawn from Life challenges traditional definitions.
In Drawn from Life, the author delves into the evolution of documentary cinema, highlighting its journey from early film to contemporary animated techniques. The book examines how filmmakers are increasingly using animation to capture and represent reality, pushing the boundaries of traditional documentary forms. By showcasing a variety of animated documentaries, it challenges established definitions and invites readers to reconsider what constitutes a documentary.
The exploration within Drawn from Life is not limited to the aesthetic aspects of animated filmmaking. It also addresses critical questions faced by modern filmmakers and audiences, such as the implications of using animation to document real-life events. The book discusses the ways these animated representations can shape our perceptions of reality, whether in public discourse or personal narratives, and how they resonate with psychological and political themes.
Through a blend of scholarly insights and practical perspectives, Drawn from Life offers a comprehensive look at the intersection of animation and documentary filmmaking. It serves as both an academic resource and a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of visual storytelling. By challenging conventional norms, this book provides a fresh lens through which to view the power of moving images in documenting our world.
The work of the editors and chapter authors provides a valuable collection of information, philosophical thought and production considerations that every animation teacher, researcher and practitioner need to read and have handy. It will serve as a reference and provide guidance for their own investigation as well as for that of their students. -- Robert Musburger * Animationstudies 2.0 *
Animation has become a vital documentary tool. How and why did this happen? Find the answer in this brilliant assembly of ground-breaking essays. -- Bill Nichols, author of Introduction to Documentary 3rd edition (2017)
- Winner of British Association of Film, Television and Screen Studies Awards: Best Monograph Award 2020
ISBN: 9781474431828
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 395g
256 pages