Louis Theroux: Dark States

Louis Theroux's method of making documentaries can sometimes seem to just spending time with unfortunate, obnoxious or just generally mis-fitting people, and pointing the camera at them. His own empathy, and/or discomfort, is included in the film, which adds a personal touch, but can give the impression that at the end of the day, whatever the nominal subject, it's all really about him. His miniseries 'Dark States', however, shows his method at his best, as he observes three dysfunctional slices of American life that may be rarely seen by many Americans, let alone Brits like Theroux. Collectively, they raise worrying questions about how individuals, and even whole communities, can fall through the cracks in society; and show how such people remain unambiguously human, even when their worlds take on a nightmarish quality. There are no easy answers here; but understanding the problems as problems of human beings, and not of some semi-human underclass, is surely a necessary foundation. But don't expect three cheery stories.

Very heavy but none the less, intriguing, Louis' psychoanalysis of events is fascinating. Prefer his earlier work. Depressing because of the dark mood of the subject but ultimately excellent reporting.

I like theroux, he deals with issues which might not be revolutionary half the time but its his interview style which allows him to get the material from the subjects which make his programs interesting. He can be very investigative without over pressing people, definately knows when to pull back. Stacey Dooley another uk documentary film maker could learn alot from him, with her over bearing opinionated style. Maybe similar documentary topics but a very different way of approaching them.