Doc Mode 1: Dzeldin's Detail
For my documentary project, I created an observational documentary titled Dzeldin's Detail, which follows a detailer (Dzeldin) as they clean a vehicle. This film uses the observational mode, focusing on the subject’s actions without narration, interviews, or staged scenes. The goal is to show the precision and effort involved in car detailing through visuals and natural sound rather than explanation.
I was inspired by Grey Gardens (1975) by Albert and David Maysles. Even though Grey Gardens follows the daily lives of Big and Little Edie, it does so without forcing a traditional narrative. The film allows their routines, surroundings, and interactions to speak for themselves. My documentary follows a similar method by letting the detailer’s work unfold naturally. Instead of directing or asking questions, I focused on small, repeated actions like rinsing, scrubbing, and drying to simply show the art of detailing.
To create a stronger fly-on-the-wall effect, I used longer and continuous takes that let moments develop in real time. Getting wide shots of the detailer and the car in the space emphasizes that effect as well. These extended takes make the film feel less constructed and more like a direct observation of the process.
The camera work highlights textures and movement. Close-up shots show water beading on surfaces, soap running down the hood, and a brush scrubbing dirt from the tires. Wide shots capture the detailer moving around the car, working through each step. These choices let the audience observe without distraction.
Sound plays a key role in creating immersion. The film relies on the natural sounds of the process: the spray of water, the dryer, and even the music choices which I feel add personality and insight into who is detailing the car. In Grey Gardens, background noises like rustling leaves and distant conversations add atmosphere without direct explanation. My documentary uses sound in the same way, making the process feel immediate and tactile.
Dzeldin’s Detail turns a routine task into something worth watching closely. Without narration or structure, it gives the viewer space to notice details they might otherwise overlook. The observational mode allows the subject’s work to speak for itself. Like Grey Gardens, the film finds meaning in simple moments.
First and foremost, I have to say, I love the car! I'm a bit of a car guy, so I have to appreciate the beautiful car that's showcased. I loved the small little interactions that the subject has with the camera and the audience. It makes it feel more real and personal. The area this was shot in looks so interesting as well, it just makes me want to learn more about the place and what it's like. I loved the focus on the longer and drawn out shots. The lack of cuts and editing makes it feel more personal and immersive. I think the inclusion of natural sound brings a greater depth to the environment as well. We hear everything, including the stuff that isn't pertaining to the subject. Overall, the choices made here help immerse me into the process that is taking place and I think it works really well.
My first impression was “These shots look clean”, so great job with the cinematography. I feel this was a perfect story to tell through an observatory documentary. The nature of the event and Dzeldin’s actions allow the observational mode to truly shine, and we as the viewers can see the processes being followed in the film, without the distraction of interviews or a different narrative style, we can sit back and watch the story unfold as well as pay close attention to details in Dzeldin’s actions and his surroundings so we get an idea of who he is as a person and why he does what he does.