Nanook of the North, released in 1922, was produced through a blend of genuine observation, staged reenactments, and resourceful improvisation under incredibly challenging Arctic conditions, fundamentally shaping the documentary genre. Its creation involved close collaboration with the Inuit community and a significant degree of filmmaking innovation, despite raising ethical questions that continue to be debated today.
The Birth of an Arctic Vision: Robert Flaherty’s Journey
Robert J. Flaherty, a geologist and explorer with a penchant for storytelling, wasn’t initially driven by filmmaking. His early explorations of the Hudson Bay region were focused on prospecting for iron ore. However, he became fascinated by the Inuit people he encountered and decided to document their lives using a hand-cranked camera. Flaherty’s first attempt at documenting their lives ended in disaster when the nitrate film stock caught fire, destroying all the footage. Undeterred, Flaherty secured funding from Revillon Frères, a French fur trading company, and returned to the Arctic in 1920 with improved equipment and a renewed commitment to his vision.
Securing Funding and Collaboration
Flaherty’s initial funding from Revillon Frères was contingent on the film portraying the company in a positive light, a common practice in early documentary filmmaking. However, Flaherty prioritized authenticity and sought to collaborate closely with the Inuit community. He enlisted the assistance of Allakariallak, later known as Nanook, a skilled hunter and leader, as his protagonist and partner in the filmmaking process. Nanook, along with his family and community, actively participated in recreating traditional hunting techniques, building igloos, and portraying their daily lives.
Overcoming the Arctic’s Challenges
Filming in the Arctic posed immense logistical and environmental challenges. The extreme cold, limited sunlight, and unpredictable weather required Flaherty to be incredibly resourceful and adaptable. He constructed a special igloo with a window on one side to use as a darkroom for developing the film negatives. The heavy, bulky equipment had to be transported by dog sled across vast distances. The film crew faced constant risks of frostbite, starvation, and accidents. Despite these hardships, Flaherty and his team persevered, capturing stunning footage of the Arctic landscape and the resilience of the Inuit people.
The Making of a Classic: Techniques and Ethical Considerations
Nanook of the North is celebrated for its groundbreaking cinematography and intimate portrayal of Inuit life. However, it’s also subject to ongoing debate about its authenticity and ethical implications.
Blurring the Lines: Staging and Reenactment
One of the most controversial aspects of Nanook of the North is the extent to which Flaherty staged or reenacted scenes for the camera. While the film aimed to depict the traditional way of life of the Inuit, some scenes were deliberately constructed or altered to enhance the narrative or visual impact. For example, the famous scene where Nanook hunts a walrus with a harpoon was reportedly staged using a walrus that was already injured. The scene where Nanook expresses wonder at a gramophone was also contrived, as the Inuit were already familiar with such technology. The igloo-building sequence was also modified, creating a larger than normal igloo so that the camera could fit inside to film.
The Question of Authenticity
The use of staging and reenactment raises fundamental questions about the authenticity of Nanook of the North. Critics argue that the film presents a romanticized and idealized version of Inuit life, ignoring the realities of cultural change and modernization. Flaherty’s defenders, on the other hand, argue that he was primarily concerned with capturing the spirit and essence of Inuit culture, even if it meant taking some liberties with the facts. They point out that Flaherty worked closely with the Inuit community and that Nanook and his family were active participants in the filmmaking process.
The Enduring Legacy
Despite the controversy surrounding its authenticity, Nanook of the North remains a landmark achievement in documentary filmmaking. It introduced audiences to a previously unknown world and helped to shape the development of the documentary genre. The film’s stunning visuals, compelling narrative, and intimate portrayal of Inuit life continue to resonate with viewers today. It forced audiences to think about the lives of people in faraway places. It also sparked important conversations about the ethics of documentary filmmaking, issues that remain relevant to this day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about the production of Nanook of the North:
FAQ 1: Where exactly was Nanook of the North filmed?
The film was primarily shot in the Ungava Peninsula of northern Quebec, Canada, specifically around the village of Inukjuak, which was then a trading post of Revillon Frères.
FAQ 2: What kind of equipment did Flaherty use to film in such harsh conditions?
Flaherty used a hand-cranked Akeley motion picture camera and nitrate film stock. He also brought along a portable darkroom built inside an igloo to develop the film on location, along with bulky lights powered by generators.
FAQ 3: How did Flaherty communicate with Nanook and the other Inuit?
Flaherty learned some Inuktitut, although communication was often a collaborative effort involving sign language and the assistance of translators within the community who also spoke some English or French from interactions at the trading post.
FAQ 4: What happened to Nanook after the film was released?
Sadly, Allakariallak, or Nanook, died two years after the film was made, reportedly from starvation due to the failure of the hunting season, though some sources claim it was from pneumonia caused by tuberculosis.
FAQ 5: Was Nanook of the North the first documentary film ever made?
While not necessarily the very first documentary, Nanook of the North is widely considered a pioneering film that helped to define the genre. It established many of the conventions of early documentary filmmaking, including the use of a narrative structure and a focus on the lives of real people.
FAQ 6: How much did it cost to produce Nanook of the North?
The reported budget for Nanook of the North was approximately $50,000, a significant sum for a film in the early 1920s. This funding was primarily provided by Revillon Frères.
FAQ 7: What is the controversy surrounding the film’s authenticity?
The controversy stems from Flaherty’s decision to stage and reenact certain scenes for the camera. Some critics argue that these reenactments distort the reality of Inuit life and present a romanticized and inaccurate portrayal.
FAQ 8: Did the Inuit benefit financially from the film’s success?
While Nanook and his family were paid for their participation in the film, the amount was relatively small and did not significantly improve their economic circumstances. The primary beneficiary was Revillon Frères, who profited from the film’s popularity.
FAQ 9: How did audiences react to Nanook of the North when it was first released?
The film was a critical and commercial success, captivating audiences with its exotic subject matter and stunning visuals. It was praised for its realism and its portrayal of the resilience of the Inuit people.
FAQ 10: What impact did the film have on the Inuit community?
The long-term impact on the Inuit community is complex. While the film brought attention to their culture, it also contributed to the romanticization and misrepresentation of their way of life. Some argue that it reinforced stereotypes and hindered their ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
FAQ 11: Why is Nanook of the North still relevant today?
Nanook of the North remains relevant today because it raises important questions about the ethics of documentary filmmaking, the representation of indigenous cultures, and the impact of technology on traditional societies. It serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and respectful storytelling.
FAQ 12: Where can I watch Nanook of the North today?
Nanook of the North is in the public domain and is available to watch online on platforms such as YouTube and archive.org. It is also often screened at film festivals and universities.