Richard Leacock, along with D.A. Pennebaker, is credited with being one of the pioneers of the Direct Cinema movement, known for their observational and cinéma vérité style of filmmaking.

Direct Cinema emphasizes the direct observation and recording of real-life events and people, aiming to capture the truth and authenticity of the subjects and their experiences.

Primary, directed by Richard Leacock and D.A. Pennebaker, is considered a landmark film in Direct Cinema, capturing the 1960 Wisconsin presidential primary election campaign.

The development of lightweight and portable cameras, such as the Éclair NPR and Arriflex 16mm cameras, allowed filmmakers to move freely and capture footage in a more observational and unobtrusive manner.

Jean Rouch is renowned for his pioneering work in cinéma vérité, a style that emphasizes the direct observation and recording of reality, often involving the participation of the subjects in the filmmaking process.

Direct Cinema raises ethical considerations regarding the consent and privacy of the subjects, the potential for manipulation and bias by the filmmakers, and the responsibility to represent reality accurately and ethically.

Frederick Wiseman's Titicut Follies, released in 1967, is a landmark documentary that provides an unflinching look inside the Bridgewater State Hospital for the criminally insane in Massachusetts.

Hidden camera refers to the technique of capturing footage without the subjects' awareness or consent, often used in documentary filmmaking to capture candid and unstaged moments.

D.A. Pennebaker's Don't Look Back, released in 1967, documented Bob Dylan's 1965 tour of England, providing an intimate look at the artist and his music.

Direct sound refers to the use of natural sound, captured during filming, rather than adding sound effects or music in post-production, which is a common practice in Direct Cinema filmmaking.

Gimme Shelter, released in 1970, documented the Rolling Stones' 1969 tour of the United States, capturing the band's performances, backstage moments, and the infamous Altamont Free Concert.

Direct cut refers to the use of long takes and minimal editing in Direct Cinema filmmaking, allowing the footage to unfold naturally and preserving the integrity of the captured moments.

Errol Morris's The Thin Blue Line, released in 1988, investigated the case of Randall Dale Adams, who was wrongly convicted of murder in Texas, leading to his eventual exoneration.

Expository documentary refers to the use of interviews, voiceover narration, and archival footage to provide context and information in a documentary film, a technique commonly used in Direct Cinema filmmaking.

Michael Moore's Roger & Me, released in 1989, documented the filmmaker's attempts to confront General Motors executives about the closure of an automobile plant in his hometown of Flint, Michigan.