IS NARRATION IN DOCUMENTARIES REALLY A CRUTCH?

The argument goes around and around. I can't tell you how many articles I've read debating this issue. The 'purists' feel that no 'true' documentary is worth its salt if voice-over narration is used for exposition. However, these same 'purists' will also argue that expository text 'cards' are perfectly fine.

What's the difference?

From where I sit, if someone has to write a card that fills in information not given by the characters, it's narration. It may not be spoken, but it's narration nonetheless.

There are not very many documentaries that don't include some text appearing on screen at some point during the film. It's been a while since I've seen one. Gimme Shelter comes to mind, but it's been so long since I've seen it, I can't be sure that's accurate either.

Come on, folks. We're all working towards the same goal: enlightening the world through good, non-fiction, visual narrative storytelling. Lighten up on the 'high and mighty' attitude.

At the end of the day, as long as the film accomplishes its goal, does it really matter?