The Adventure of the Real

Jean Rouch remains a seminal force in the field of ethnographic cinema, whose innovative career reshaped the boundaries between documentary and fiction. In this meticulously researched study, Paul Henley delves into the practical filmmaking methods that Rouch developed during his anthropological work in West Africa in the 1940s and ‘50s. Henley presents a detailed analysis of Rouch’s pioneering use of unscripted improvisation, a technique that resonated throughout the French New Wave and helped launch the genre of cinema verite. Intertwining technical strategy with aesthetic and ethical considerations, The Adventure of the Real illuminates the enduring impact of Rouch’s creative legacy. Featuring over 150 images, this comprehensive examination offers an essential introduction to one of the most influential figures in ethnographic cinema. Published in 2010 by The University Of Chicago Press, this engaging work invites readers to explore the fascinating interplay between documentary research and artistic expression.