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In Reply to: For the 'Heavies' on this board: how can you take documentaries seriously? posted by Guy on December 2, 2005 at 03:08:48:
and these are, of course, biased by the interpretation of the historian. Modern historians don't presume that their rendition of an event, time or place is the "truth" no more than the "absolute sound" is perfect sound reproduction. Documentaries present a view of the world that the film producer wishes to convey -- and they are inevitably guided but such a vision. Does this make them false and misleading? Perhaps. But no more so than audio engineers recording music in a fashion they find desirable (e.g., the RVG effect).To me, the assumption that documentaries (even the "good" ones) reflect some objective reality is a bit like people assuming that double blind testing is more scientifically "valid" than alternative analysis methods (e.g., single blind, subjectivist introspection).
Now maybe I just don't know the history of this poster in relation to the rest of the troupe here but to the occasional viewer I thought that his question was legitimate if not a bit obviously provoking reaction.
Now my follow-up question is -- why shouldn't a documentary attempt to lead a viewer to a desired conclusion?
Follow Ups:
Chris,First my detractors (the same usual handful of 'losers' who - when forced to think on new ideas - throw out their only paltry attack of "troll") can't answer. Anything not thought before.
My point is that filmmakers (even the best) are several layers/ levels BELOW even an average-rated historian. The average historian is trained in his subject, meaning trained in the limitations of presenting objectivity. Filmmakers are not. Furthermore, popular culture *enshrines* makers of movies in a way that no other area is (two exceptions: music-makers and sports-players). All know this. Resultingly, persons attracted to filmmaking - even the 'serious' ones with a moral message to convey - want glitz and glamor.
Simple question: sight unseen and name unknown, would you trust a movie of World War II or a book about World War II?
Respect,
Guy
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...thanks for your interest and integrity.
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