Defends the idea that documentary is a distinctive and important cinematic category, though an essentially vague one. This notion depends on that of a trace. A documentary must involve traces of its subject, and not merely testimony of it. Defines an ideal documentary as one where there is a certain kind of coherence between the narrative and the trace-content of the work. Argues that the notion of an ideal documentary explains much in our attitude towards, and practice concerning those things we commonly label documentaries.
Keywords: coherence, documentary, intention, photography, testimony, trace