I sometimes find documentaries quite tiring and boring to watch. I find it difficult to watch and find a documentary that is very original and worth my time. However, I always watch the documentaries of a wonderful man named Louis Theroux. He has been making documentaries for many years and, almost all of them are on Netflix which I find very convenient. His documentaries range from a variety of subjects like the hip hop music culture, transgender kids, infomercials and even swingers. His most recent documentaries have touched on very serious subjects like alcoholism and even, the impact Jimmy Savile’s horrible crimes have had on the people he once knew. Even though those topics may not be the most light hearted, Louis Theroux delivers information, facts and other’s personal stories in such and interesting and though provoking way. In the past few years, the controversial “religious” group, the Scientologists, have been in the headlines quite a few times. Theroux has made a film all about it which will be coming out very soon which, I am looking forward to. In the mean time though, here is my list of my top three Louis Theroux documentaries.
1. Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends – Swingers
In terms of many documentaries shown on the TV, it is evident that this isn’t the most serious. However, even though I knew that there was a thing and people who did “swing”, I never really knew what it was all about. My favourite thing about this documentary is Louis’ english humour and sarcasm. He is not only finding out about the lifestyle for himself but, when put into the weirder situations, he handles it with subtle humour. I therouxly enjoyed this documentary.
2. Louis Theroux – Drinking to Oblivion
This is one of Theroux’s most recent documentaries all about alcoholism. I always knew that alcoholism was a very serious issue but, I never knew how serious. This documentary highlighted all the strong impacts it has on the alcoholics and the people themselves. Some parts I found very emotional because, in all honesty, I felt that alcoholics were the ones to blame for them becoming like this; they could have easily prevented it if they just didn’t drink at all in the first place. However, you soon realise that there is much more to their stories and their lives – they never wanted to get to that place in the first place and they never really had anyone they could talk to. Alcohol was the only way to go. I highly recommend this documentary as, it will change your opinion on such serious things like it did mine.
In this interview, Louis Theroux briefly talks about why he made the documentary. It also features a clip from ‘Drinking to Oblivion’.
3. Louis Theroux – The Most Hated Family in America
This is without a doubt one of Louis Theroux’s most well known documentary. I remember watching this briefly in RS when I was around in Year 9. The documentary explores the hatred this American family has towards other religions as well as sexualities (apart from heterosexual relationships). It opened my eyes up to how far people will go to show how they feel at such a young age; some of the family members were younger than me and they were using strong, derogatory language towards gay people. I found it simply shocking. I did however, also find it very interesting as it made me find more out about the family and realise that they quite possibly have more people against their views than people actually following them.
Here are a few clips from the programme.
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