Sherman's March

In Sherman’s March, Ross McElwee invites his viewer into his life and thoughts through an oral and visual account of his Southern journey. His documentary is a wonderful example of the interactive documentary mode. First and foremost, Sherman’s March takes it shape around the filmmaker, Ross, and his subjects. He takes an active role in the film, and his commentary and experiences drive the film. He is both the filmmaker and the main character, for whom the audience feels close to. McElwee’s verbal testimony gives the viewer a second hand account into his world. Although the viewer does not know of his past relationships, McElwee orally fills them in on his history. The use of “talking heads” in the film, including McElwee’s, occupy its central theme. The interactions, places, and people all affect Ross and the audience knows this through his present-tense narration. The film isn’t just a documentary about Southern life, love, and nuclear war. It is about McElwee’s life. The audience shares his embarrassing, disheartening, or pleasant experiences with him. The viewer is reliant on McElwee’s testimony and trusts him.