How the Earth Was Made (2007) – Documentary

How the Myth Was Made: A Study of Robert Flaherty's Man of Aran (1978) is a thought-provoking documentary that delves deep into the making and the cinematic essence of Robert Flaherty's iconic 1934 film Man of Aran. Released in 1978, this documentary provides an insightful exploration into the creative process and the myth-making elements that shaped Flaherty's portrayal of life on the Aran Islands, a remote group of islands off the west coast of Ireland.

About the Movie

This documentary examines how Flaherty, often regarded as the father of feature-length documentary filmmaking, crafted his narrative and visual style in Man of Aran. The original film narrated the harsh and rugged existence of the islanders, portraying their interaction with a seemingly unforgiving natural environment. However, How the Myth Was Made scrutinizes the extent to which Flaherty’s film was a constructed reality, blending fact with fiction to create a mythologized vision of island life.

The 1978 documentary explores themes of authenticity, representation, and the power of film in shaping cultural perceptions. It questions the boundary between documentary fact and artistic storytelling, drawing attention to the deliberate choices Flaherty made to enhance drama and symbolism, often at the expense of strict factual accuracy.

Director and Writers

How the Myth Was Made was directed by Michael Balcon and Arthur Calder-Marshall, both of whom are credited prominently in the film. Michael Balcon was an influential British film producer and director, known for his key role in the British film industry, while Arthur Calder-Marshall was a versatile writer and literary figure.

The collaboration between Balcon and Calder-Marshall brought to life a scholarly yet accessible critique of Robert Flaherty’s work, combining cinematic analysis with historical context and narrative critique. Their work aimed to educate viewers about the complexities behind documentary filmmaking and the construction of cinematic myths.

Main Cast and Contributors

Being a documentary, How the Myth Was Made primarily features film historians, critics, and possibly archival footage from the original Man of Aran. It does not star actors in the traditional sense but relies on narration and commentary to develop its insights. The cast is composed of contributions related to the original film’s production and subsequent analysis.

Significance and Reception

This documentary garners importance for film students, historians, and enthusiasts interested in the ethics and artistry of documentary filmmaking. By dissecting Man of Aran, it illuminates how filmmakers like Flaherty navigated challenges to depict remote cultures while shaping narratives that resonate on universal themes such as human struggle, survival, and resilience.

Scholars have praised How the Myth Was Made for its candid investigation into the blurred lines between documentary reality and cinematic fabrication. It underscores the filmmaker’s role not just as an observer but also as a storyteller and myth-maker.

Context of Robert Flaherty's 'Man of Aran'

To fully appreciate this documentary, it’s essential to understand the original film it studies. Man of Aran (1934) was a silent documentary-style film capturing life on the Aran Islands. Flaherty aimed to present a poetic vision of humanity’s confrontation with nature, shot with breathtaking cinematography and dramatic sequences. Yet, decades later, critics and historians revealed many scenes were staged or exaggerated, raising questions about authenticity versus artistic expression.

Conclusion

How the Myth Was Made: A Study of Robert Flaherty's Man of Aran is a valuable documentary offering a ground-level perspective on the making of a classic piece of cinema and its implications on how we perceive documentary authenticity. Its meticulous critique and analysis continue to provoke discussions on the intersection of art and reality in documentary films.

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