I disagree. A narrative approach doesn't necessarily equate to fiction.
Storytelling is a way of imposing order on the often chaotic nature of what we observe. Constructing a narrative out of plain facts can go a long way towards making them convey not mere data, but truth.
I'm not trying to "win" anything. I'm sorry if I gave you that impression, and if I caused any distress by expressing disagreement. I strongly recommend blocking me to prevent any further occurrences in the future.
one time when I was watching a nature documentary, two things occurred to me:
1. the sounds you hear actually have no relationship to the pictures on screen
2. the presence of a camera has an effect on how animals behave
there are very few films that I actively dislike, but most are nature docs
Also, the second a filmmaker makes an edit, they are making a biased choice on what will ultimately be shown. Unless you want to watch every second of raw footage exactly as it was shot, the Observer Only argument falls apart.
And even then a choice was made earlier to turn on the camera and point it in whatever direction and focus it on whatever subject. The choice of a POV is baked into the use of the equipment.
Exactly. As soon as you record anything and show it to anyone, you're selectively crafting a narrative - which isn't inherently good or bad, it just is. Arguably the most influential choice media ever makes is which stories it does and doesn't tell in the first place.
I had never seen this before and cackled so hard. Most perfect thing ever. But I figured maybe the last panel wasn't real because it was just too hilarious. It really is though! OMG!!!
I briefly met him when he came to the opening of one of his films at the Pike Place Market in Seattle. He was like that. I was the projectionist and we all went out afterwards, but I don't recall many details. I'm pretty sure the film was Woyzeck
What utter bullshit. Not everything is created by you. Sure, you've influenced it just by filming, but you're not god, directing events. Minimize the variables or just give it to and let a better documentarian in. Because you suck if this is the attitude.
I have video from a Houston TV station where a reporter got a tip that a hit and run driver could be found by Buffalo Bayou. Reporter tried to get driver to turn himself in, and driver wouldn't. When driver turned to leave, reporter tossed microphone aside and tackled him in the water. I approved.
This should be it. From August, 1987. Houston newsman Carlos Aguilar got a tip, he and his cameraman (ID'd in clip) confront the driver, urge him to give himself up, and when he moves to leave, stops him.
That was.. that was incredible. Yes. This. Exactly.
(And it's not just like some ol side swipe, the dude put a 5 month old baby in critical condition and almost killed 3 women. Sure there are times when you leave stuff alone. That is not the time.)
Hm. It was Houston, and we were there then--1984--so it has to be in the first 100 tapes.
It's possible I already DVR'd it, though, that day I had energy, so I will commence checking.
Absolutely! Anyone who claims they’re thinking entirely objectively is deluding themselves. To pretend we don’t have biases is dangerous and is much more likely to lead to blind spots. Everything we do and think and learn is run through multiple lenses.
Comments
Herzog wrote and directed movies too.
Great class, excellent instructor.
Storytelling is a way of imposing order on the often chaotic nature of what we observe. Constructing a narrative out of plain facts can go a long way towards making them convey not mere data, but truth.
You can't have an objective, unbiased historical narrative. So why could documentaries do it?
Otherwise what you're writing is a report, and chances are those reports are already your source
1. the sounds you hear actually have no relationship to the pictures on screen
2. the presence of a camera has an effect on how animals behave
there are very few films that I actively dislike, but most are nature docs
https://x.com/holdengraber/status/1212436432045801472
But you don't understand much, eh?
If you think your meat is boring, maybe try again?
Be more like Spider, less like Warren.
(And it's not just like some ol side swipe, the dude put a 5 month old baby in critical condition and almost killed 3 women. Sure there are times when you leave stuff alone. That is not the time.)
It's possible I already DVR'd it, though, that day I had energy, so I will commence checking.
"Oh you're too implicated on this!!!"
Exactly. It's my fucking research. My construction, my interpretation. "Neutrality" at the end of the day is just "parroting" the fucking status quo.
Besitos,
Un casi viejo.