Documentary analysis – My Big

Fat Gypsy WeddingBy Emily Thompson

Clip:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HAUmII_hcg

General information about documentary

o The secretive, extravagant and surprising world of gypsies and travellers in Britain today.

o It is narrated by Barbara Flynn and the programme is created by Jenny Popplewell.

o A British documentary series broadcasted on Channel 4, exploring the lives and traditions of several different Irish Traveller families as they unite in marriage.

o There has been two seasons of this documentary series resulting in 18 episodes. Each episode has a running time of approximately 50 minutes.

o It was first released in February 2012 and the latest episode aired in April 2015.

Documentary modeo My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding is an observational and

expository documentary.o As we watch this documentary the secret life of gypsies and

their marriages are revealed – however we also are just observing their lives.

o There is a narrator (unseen) and evidence to back up the facts proving it is expository.

o Furthermore, the social actors (gypsies and friends of people getting married) act as if no one is there throughout the documentary.

o However, it cannot be fully observational as there are interviews where people have to look right at the camera.

Effects on audienceo While My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding is a serious

documentary revealing real life ways of certain people living, it is also humorous and entertaining to the audience.

o It is partly a comedy as the narration and order of film allows us to laugh and be entertained.

o This documentary has brought up certain controversies such as more bullying in gypsies, the show has been blamed for increase in negative stereotyping of gypsies and travelers.

o The expository mode of this documentary portrays a certain representation of gypsies and travelers and therefore the audience then agree with this as it makes us think in a certain way.

Stylistic deviceso There are several things that this documentary uses regularly

to give a certain feel for the audience. These techniques create meaning for the audience.

o My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding uses the same font (when writing facts or names of the social actors) on screen throughout the series, this allows the audience to familiarize.

o They always structure their interviews the same way in each of the episodes, again this allows the audience to feel comfortable and familiarize with the way of the documentary.

o The tone of voice that the narrator – Jenny Popplewell speaks in is the same in each to make the audience feel comfortable.