Nichols Ch 4 (p 69-88: Whole Chapter)

“Voice” is a fascinating concept. When we watch and write about films, breaking down voice, how it affects the narrative, and how it functions takes a lot of critical thinking and dissection. However, creating one's own voice–though equally intentional–requires much different muscles. Knowing how to use one's voice is to be tapped into one's soul. The solutions to questions of voice do not come strictly from critical thinking, but from being present, conscious, and in tune with what the audience needs to hear. These skills are far more difficult to pin down, yet are key to the language of a film.

How can voice affect an audience's willingness to watch a film?

What are examples of documentarians who use dramatically different voices in different documentaries?

What are examples of documentaries that change voice over the course of a film?

What are examples of films that should have used a different style of voice?

How can we stop ourselves from using one style of voice?