Mockumentary is perhaps the best sub-genre of cinema, and conspiracy-themed mockumentaries even more so. In this episode we look at four films - The Conspiracy, The Last Broadcast, Trollhunter and Apollo 18 - and examine why conspiracy mockumentaries are so good. The blend of realistic documentary formats with fantastical and absurd subjects not only makes for very original and entertaining watching but also affirms and subverts the conspiracy culture at the same time. I consider the effect of this on the watching audience, and on their opinions of what is plausible vs. what is implausible. (Read more...)