With docs, there's often a very direct communication between the filmmaker and the audience. With narrative movies, we leave it a little bit more open.

In this quote, Tom McCarthy, a filmmaker and director, contrasts the styles of communication between two types of filmmaking: documentaries (docs) and narrative movies. He points out that documentaries often involve a more direct communication between the filmmaker and the audience, where the filmmaker’s intent and message are usually clear and straightforward. Documentaries aim to inform, persuade, or provide a real-life perspective on a topic, creating an immediate connection with viewers.

On the other hand, McCarthy notes that narrative movies tend to leave more room for interpretation. In these films, the filmmaker might craft a story that allows audiences to draw their own conclusions, engage with the characters, and form personal emotional responses. Unlike documentaries, where the filmmaker has a more explicit message or fact-based approach, narrative films often invite viewers to explore the meaning behind the story in a more open-ended way.

McCarthy’s distinction highlights the differences in the audience experience. In documentaries, there is typically a clearer direction from the filmmaker about the subject matter, whereas in narrative films, the story unfolds in a way that lets the audience interact with the material on a deeper, more subjective level. This openness allows for a richer, more nuanced interpretation of the film, where the audience plays a more active role in discovering meaning.

Ultimately, McCarthy’s quote reflects the nature of storytelling in both genres. Documentaries aim for clarity and directness, while narrative films engage the audience in a more layered, complex conversation that is open to multiple interpretations. Both approaches to filmmaking offer unique ways for viewers to connect with the material, but they differ in how they communicate ideas and emotions.