John Grierson

John Grierson (April 26, 1898 - February 19 1972) is often considered the father of modern documentary film.

Film critic

Grierson's emerging and outspoken film philosophies caught the attention of New York film critics at the time. He was asked to write criticism for the New York Sun. At the Sun, Grierson wrote articles on film aesthetics and audience reception, and developed broad contacts in the film world. In the course of this writing stint, Grierson coined the term "documentary" in writing about Robert Flaherty's film "Moana" (NY Sun, February 8, 1926: "Of course Moana , being a visual account of events in the daily life of a Polynesian youth and his family, has documentary value").

Related Topics:
New York - New York Sun - February 8 - 1926

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During this time, Grierson was also involved in scrutinizing the film industries of other countries. He was involved in arranging to bring Sergei Eisenstein's groundbreaking film "Potemkin" to US audience for the fist time. Eisenstein's editing techniques and film theories, particularly the use of montage, would have a significant influence on Grierson's own work.

Related Topics:
Sergei Eisenstein - Potemkin

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