Primary

Robert Drew's 1960 documentary changed the method of documentary filmmaking. It follows John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey through the Democratic primary held in Wisconsin on 5 April 1960. Until then documentaries were made with fixed cameras, staged footage and narration; Drew's team used newly developed portable cameras and sync sound equipment and could follow the candidates into rooms, corridors, cars and crowds. The camera work is by Richard Leacock, D. A. Pennebaker, Terence Macartney-Filgate and Albert Maysles, all of whom went on to shape the direction of documentary on their own. Its best known passage is the unbroken shot in which the camera follows Kennedy into a hall from behind. Who it's for: viewers curious about documentary history and records of political campaigns. Who it's not for: anyone wanting analysis and commentary; the film only observes.