The Style of Culloden

Watkins' drama-documentary Culloden is effective in its use of the conventions of documentary style to draw the viewer into what would otherwise be a long-winded, boring history lesson. The presence of the camera, as well as the way it is acknowledged throughout the film, makes the viewer buy into the fact that this is representational of a true event even though the world of the story takes place about 150 years before cinema's birth.

First, there is the camera following the action of the battle by being present on the field. Techniques used, such as reacting for explosions, illustrate that this event is supposed to be taking place as the camera was recording it, much like the television footage from Vietnam broadcast during that war. There are moments where the film strays from the point of view of the cameraman. Most notably, the first person experience of the soldier who gets carried, put down, then shot by the opposition.

The other dominant element of documentary style that is used in Culloden is the interview. The filmmaker is present, asking questions off-screen, and the men answer, looking directly into the camera as they do so. This gives the viewer the impression that the subjects and their responses are authentic, because nothing seems rehearsed. Watkins' use of non-actors enhances the feeling of reality, because most of the subjects interviewed don't have the typical acting chops one observe from more seasoned performers.

The filmmaker has succeeded in making a unique drama-documentary that entertains as it educates, something that has been attempted in the years after the making of Culloden, with varying degrees of success.