Confessional (television): Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Stylistic device of reality television}} |
{{Short description|Stylistic device of reality television}} |
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A '''confessional''' is a [[stylistic device]] used in many [[reality television]] shows. It is a type of [[aside]], consisting of [[cutaway (filmmaking)| |
A '''confessional''' is a [[stylistic device]] used in many [[reality television]] shows. It is a type of [[aside]], consisting of [[cutaway (filmmaking)|cutaways]] to a [[close-up]] shot of one (or occasionally more) cast members talking directly to camera. Confessionals are used to provide [[narration]], [[exposition (narrative)|exposition]], and commentary on ongoing action within the show.<ref name="Murray"/> In small groups, a confessional may |
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provoke a fellow cast member or reveal something about the other cast members from their reactions. They can also be directed at the audience as an appeal to not vote a cast member off of the program.<ref name="Butsch">{{cite book |last1=Butsch |first1=R. |title=Media and Public Spheres |date=5 January 2016 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan UK |isbn=9780230206359 |page=172}}</ref> While confessionals are typically presented as an immediate reaction to events in the show (an illusion enforced by the use of the [[present tense]]), they are generally filmed later, sometimes much later, and often at another location.<ref name="Murray"/> |
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Cutaway interviews have their origin in [[documentary film]] |
Cutaway interviews have their origin in [[documentary film|documentary filmmaking]].<ref name="Murray"/> Confessionals in the modern sense may have begun with ''[[The People's Court]]'', in which litigants gave interviews to the [[court reporter]] after arguing their case, in the style of [[Post-game show|post-game interviews]]. ''[[Judge Judy]]'' later dropped the court reporter from these interactions, and had litigants speak directly to camera. Confessionals were also used on [[MTV]]'s ''[[The Real World (TV series)|The Real World]]'', which debuted in 1992. Beginning in its second season in 1993, cast members had a room in their dwellings where they could record their thoughts on the goings-on of the house, in addition to the standard interviews with producers asking leading questions. |
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Confessionals have been criticized as a "gimmick" of the reality TV genre that has lost its freshness and purpose, and their introduction to more traditional [[game show]] |
Confessionals have been criticized as a "gimmick" of the reality TV genre that has lost its freshness and purpose, and their introduction to more traditional [[game show|game shows]] has been derided.<ref name="Murray"/> |
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The confessional device has been deployed in scripted series parodying the reality genre, most notably ''[[The Office]]'' and ''[[Modern Family]]''. |
The confessional device has been deployed in scripted series parodying the reality genre, most notably ''[[The Office]]'' and ''[[Modern Family]]''. |
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Revision as of 17:03, 30 June 2022
A confessional is a stylistic device used in many reality television shows. It is a type of aside, consisting of cutaways to a close-up shot of one (or occasionally more) cast members talking directly to camera. Confessionals are used to provide narration, exposition, and commentary on ongoing action within the show.[1] In small groups, a confessional may provoke a fellow cast member or reveal something about the other cast members from their reactions. They can also be directed at the audience as an appeal to not vote a cast member off of the program.[2] While confessionals are typically presented as an immediate reaction to events in the show (an illusion enforced by the use of the present tense), they are generally filmed later, sometimes much later, and often at another location.[1]
Cutaway interviews have their origin in documentary filmmaking.[1] Confessionals in the modern sense may have begun with The People's Court, in which litigants gave interviews to the court reporter after arguing their case, in the style of post-game interviews. Judge Judy later dropped the court reporter from these interactions, and had litigants speak directly to camera. Confessionals were also used on MTV's The Real World, which debuted in 1992. Beginning in its second season in 1993, cast members had a room in their dwellings where they could record their thoughts on the goings-on of the house, in addition to the standard interviews with producers asking leading questions.
Confessionals have been criticized as a "gimmick" of the reality TV genre that has lost its freshness and purpose, and their introduction to more traditional game shows has been derided.[1]
The confessional device has been deployed in scripted series parodying the reality genre, most notably The Office and Modern Family.
References
- ^ a b c d Murray, Noel (March 23, 2015). "Please kill the reality TV "confessional"". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
- ^ Butsch, R. (5 January 2016). Media and Public Spheres. Palgrave Macmillan UK. p. 172. ISBN 9780230206359.