The Best Documentaries of the 1970s

Are you a fan of documentaries? Do you love to dive deep into the events that shaped our world? If so, then you’re in for a treat.

This blog is the first of five that we will be releasing; all looking at the best documentaries of each decade from the 1970s (when documentaries really started to take shape) to the 2010s (our most recent decade).

In this article

1. History of Documentaries
2. The Top Documentaries of the 1970s
3. Grey Gardens (1973)
4. Harlan County, USA (1976)
5. F for Fake (1973)
6. Conclusion

Today, we’re going to explore the best documentaries of the 1970s. 

The 1970s were a decade of change and upheaval, and this was reflected in the documentaries of the time. 

Filmmakers sought to capture the spirit of the era, exploring topics such as politics, social issues, and the environment. 

Before we look at the films we believe defined documentaries in the 1970s, let’s look at how this film genre got to where it is today.

History of Documentaries

So, when did documentary movies first begin? 

The origins of documentaries can be traced back to the late 19th century, when film was still in its infancy. 

In 1895, the Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis, invented the cinematograph, a device which was able to record and project moving images onto a screen. 

They quickly recognized the potential of what they invented and began filming everyday scenes of life in France, such as people at work and children playing. 

Their early films, such as ‘Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat Station’ and ‘Workers Leaving the Lumière Factory’, are considered to be some of the first examples of documentary movies. These films provided audiences with a glimpse into everyday life and were a novelty at the time, as most people had never seen moving images on a screen before. 

The first films were documentaries. 

If you’d like to read more about the history of documentaries, read our blog ‘The History of Documentary Narration’.

The Top Documentaries of the 1970s

These iconic films set the tone for documentaries to come after them in the decades that followed:

Grey Gardens (1973)

One of the most iconic documentaries of the decade was ‘Grey Gardens’ (1973). Directed by Albert and David Maysles, the film follows the lives of Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter, Little Edie, two reclusive socialites living in a crumbling mansion in East Hampton, New York. The film is a fascinating portrait of two eccentric women, and it has become a cult classic. 

The documentary was so influential that it inspired a 2009 dramatization of a behind-the-scenes film starring Drew Barrymore as Little Edie and Jessica Lange as Big Edie.

Harlan County, USA (1976)

Another must-see documentary from the 1970s is ‘Harlan County, USA’ (1976). Directed by Barbara Kopple, the film chronicles the bitter strike by coal miners in Harlan County, Kentucky. The documentary is a powerful portrayal of the struggles of the working class and the dangers they face in their fight for justice. 

F for Fake (1973)

‘F for Fake’ is a playful and thought-provoking film by legendary filmmaker Orson Welles. The film examines the nature of art and creativity, focusing on the lives of famous art forgers and the art world in general.

Conclusion

The 1970s were a rich and diverse era for documentaries. From the eccentricities of ‘Grey Gardens’ to the struggles of the coal miners in ‘Harlan County, USA’, these films captured the essence of the decade and continue to captivate audiences today.