Why are movies made out of documentaries? Isn't a doc 'truthier' than a movie?

I saw the doc of Grey Gardens from 1975....no need to watch the movie.

It was interesting with the Mr Rogers film with Tom Hanks as it really was obviously heavily influenced by a doc that was very recent. I watched the doc after the movie and it threw me. But actually I saw them as companion pieces in a way and respected what they both told me about the man. Sometimes a movie can show us a different side or perspective or enhance a subject that a doc cannot.But I do get your point for sure OP.

There is no creativity anymore. Everything is a remake, a sequel, a reboot. That's why movies are made of documentaries. It's easier than creating something new.

R2 And I was surprised when Michael Keaton showed up in the Mr. Rogers' documentary. Who knew that's where he started?

So you haven’t heard of historical dramas?

I was actually talking about the doc won't you be my neighbour? But now am checking out the other one as never knew the Michael Keaton connection until your post!

I love data lounge for information like this. I may be a bit sad, but whatever!

R6 Yes, Michael Keaton explains how he started out as a stagehand in the very beginning (I think he said he was in high school at the time) and then he was given little parts to play on the program. He credits the show as being a big influence in his moving on with his career. Quite sweet and charming.

I have to say the doc, won't you be my neighbor, detailed the gay black man from the kids show that the movie didn't and as a gay man I appreciated the doc for that. But the Tom Hanks movie gave me some emotion and feelings the doc didn't.

As a writer of historical drama TV shows, it's gives you more freedom than a doc. You get to be creative. Twist what really happened for more emotional resonance. Plus you don't have to interview people, which is a hassle. But it also (usually) tells a story that still matters to you, because of some tangental emotional connection, and one that people already know or NEED to know.

I've also written 100 percent fictional drama shows. I love doing that too. Depends on the month and mood, to be honest.

[quote]Depends on the month and mood, to be honest.

So this is PMS related?

[quote]it's gives you more freedom than a doc. You get to be creative. Twist what really happened

You nailed it. That's exactly why I prefer docs to movies. I'd rather know the truth about someone/something.

I think R9 sums it up for me. I loved the Mr. Rogers doc, as well as the film. I also like both Grey Gardens. The doc was incredible, and I liked the performances of Lange/Barrymore in the HBO project. It's usually rare for me to feel that way, though. Robert Zemeckis has ruined two perfectly fine docs (Man on Wire, Marwencol) by making films which offer nothing of merit. I loved the Harvey Milk doc, but I'm ambivalent about the Gus Van Sant film. I loved the mise en scene that the latter conjured up about the 1970s, but the script was maudlin at times in way that didn't feel earned.

The Grey Gardens movie filled the gaps in the documentary by showing us how the Edies lived before their codependent, poverty-ravished state. I loved the doc and the movie. The last scene may get you.

R13 I agree with you about Grey Garden, seeing how Big Edie was accustomed to living and the subsequent fallout from a divorce that wasnt common for that time, gave a good bit of insight into how Big Edie lost it, reeled in Little Edie whose wings were clipped too early in her life explains a lot about how/why they'd devolved.