Louis Theroux

Louis Theroux is a British/American documentary maker known best for his BBC2 specials in which he documented all sorts of controversial and challenging topics.

Louis has made a name for himself by seeking out the weird and the wonderful characters in the world and managing to get up close and personal with them. He uses his good natured and harmless manner to reach the heart of the people and let them show more of themselves than they intended to.


He has presented 42 documentaries in total over 13 years and these have gained critical acclaim from many critics.


Some examples are:


The Most Hated Family In America (2007)

• In this documentary Louis finds himself struggling to come to terms with the infamous family who picket the funerals of soldiers in protest against an America that tolerates homosexuality.
  
• This documentary invokes emotion in the viewer because the subjects religious views are so extreme therefore the viewer will either strongly agree or strongly disagree. The audience may not know about these sort of people and therefore it enlightens them and allows them to form opinions on these people and agree or disagree with their views.
  

Miami Mega Jail: Part 1 (2011)

• In this documentary Louis spends time in "Main Jail" (PTDC), one of the most notorious sections of the Miami jail system, including time on the fifth and sixth floors of the PTDC. This is where many of the most volatile inmates are held.
  
• This documentary is an eye opener to the audience as to what goes on in the Miami jail system. It is quite unknown so when Louis goes in and documents what goes on, how it is organised and talks to inmates it is highly interesting for the viewer.
  
• Here is an extract from the programme:
  
  
  
  

Considering he's metres away from serial killers and rapists he stays fairly calm I'd say!

Here is a list of all the documentaries Louis Theroux has made:

• Louis Theroux Documentaries

You can also keep up to date with the documentaries and goings on at Louis' Website!