Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Mama

The Documentary ‘Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Mama” by Topaz Jones and Rubberband tells the story of the musician Topaz Jones. The audience follows this journey in a unique way of storytelling that implements many forms of documentary modes as well as other film techniques. In 38 minutes this film uses many modes of documentary styles with elements from observational to participatory to reflective but most importantly performative. To begin with, the observational style is utilized through the emphasis on black interaction, conversation identity, and self-view. I really enjoyed the interview style which used the observational style, although in an interview it felt as though the audience was observing a conversation. The documentary highlights important people who have done really good things in and for the black community while also being highly personal to Topaz Jones. Simultaneously creating a very personal piece the documentary also is a greater connection and empathy to black voices. The reflexive mode of documentary helps to tell the story of experiences that Topaz has had in his life such as the D is for Drums scene we see a look into what we assume is an experience that Topaz has had in his lifetime acted out as a scene. In general, I think the film is very successful in creating an emotional piece that speaks to the audience through editing and filmmaking style. Utilizing the style of old home video footage and film footage it creates a story that shows the age and time that speaks to a community of people. Another filmmaking technique that I found really interesting was the use of close-ups that illustrate intimate moments helping to drive the empathy of each scene.