Nature Documentaries: Eco-tainment? The case of <i>MM&M (Mad Mike and Mark)</i>

Abstract

It has been argued that the process of representation of nature is not a simple “representation” of life but a carefully constructed text which articulates a particular position. The traditional position for nature documentaries has often been described as one of “advocacy” and foregrounds the promotion of conservation. However, there have been recent developments in wildlife documentaries which would suggest a different approach. They seem to be serving a different audience and incorporating elements of spectacle more often seen in “reality” shows. Taking the nature programme Mad Mike and Mark as a point of departure, I discuss some of the features of nature documentaries and attempt to draw up categories of sub-genres in this field. An ecocritical perspective will be used in this process in order to identify the type of consciousness that the documentary is trying to promote in the audience.