I love a good documentary, but right now it seems that the market is flooded. I think it’s because many filmmakers are shooting on video and it has become relatively cheap to put something out there.

But what this results in is a diluted product pool. Any one can find an interesting subject and turn the camera on. But does that mean the subject merits 90 minutes of our time?
Recently I’ve seen two documentaries that have seemed to be a better fit for a television program such as “20/20” or “Dateline”.

“Fighting for Life” is about doctors in the army who are trained in battle surgery. Interesting, sure. But after about an hour the film had made its point and then watching soldiers being rehabilitated turned into a promotional video for the rehab facility.

“Hats Off” is about an eccentric, vivacious 93 year old actress who lives in NY and still goes on auditions. You might recognize her from “Sex and the City” (Stanford’s grandmother) or “Hitch” (old lady at wedding). She has a Katherine Hepburn look about her and an indefatigable attitude. But after about 40 minutes of her life story, I started to feel that I was flipping through someone else’s family album.

Some subjects just shouldn’t be stretched to fit the 90 minute formula, or we should get used to seeing ‘shorts’ and not feel like we’re being short-changed.