The landmark documentary, Salesman, by the Maysles Brothers follows door-to-door bible salesmen in the 1960's. Although the technique of direct cinema has been used throughout the Maysles' careers, the results of this approach can yield diverse results. Everything from anti-ambiguous titles, long takes and an on screen absence of crew, cameras, or personalities saying "we are filming a documentary right now". The films Gimme Shelter and What's Happening! The Beatles in the U.S.A. tag along with rock stars as they encounter the stoned, hippie culture of America. Salesman is a complete opposite portrayal of America in the 60's as it documents real American's trying to make a living selling premium bibles. The use of direct cinema in these films gives the viewer a sense of intimacy with the characters on screen, but the emotions evoked as well as the message sent to the viewer is dependent on the subjects themselves as well as the subject matter. In Salesman viewers get to ride......
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