Verité, derived from the French word "vérité" meaning truth, is a term used to describe a style or approach in filmmaking and documentary filmmaking in particular. It is characterized by the objective representation of reality, aiming to capture truthfulness and authenticity in portraying people, events, and various aspects of life.
In verité filmmaking, the filmmakers position themselves as observational participants, observing and documenting events as they naturally unfold without interference or manipulation. The focus is on capturing spontaneous moments, allowing the subjects to act and behave naturally. This technique often involves the use of handheld cameras, little to no scripting, and minimal editing to maintain the natural flow of events.
Verité filmmaking places great emphasis on objectivity, striving to present the truth of a situation or subject matter without bias or personal interpretation. The aim is to create an unfiltered and unbiased representation of reality, providing viewers with an unvarnished, authentic experience.
The term "verité" can also be extended beyond filmmaking to describe other forms of art, such as literature or photography, that prioritize truthfulness and authenticity in their approach. In these contexts, verité denotes a commitment to representing reality as it is, often eschewing embellishment or artificiality for a more genuine depiction.
Overall, verité is a term used to describe a particular style or approach in filmmaking or other forms of art that prioritizes capturing truthfulness, authenticity, and objectivity in representing reality and human experiences.
