Quote of the week – Barry Hampe

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FUDGING REALITY

How big a step is it from manipulating the people and events in a reality TV series–to make the show more interesting–to manipulating the people and events in a documentary for the same reason?  Unfortunately, history teaches us that the path to corruption often starts as an apparent shortcut, a little bit easier way to reach your goal.  But it’s a slippery slope, perhaps shallow at first but gradually growing steeper.  Once on it’s hard to get off. And once caught, it’s hard ever to be trusted again.

In any documentary of events as they occur, the temptation is always there to nudge things in a preferred direction.  But the moment that happens, you are no longer documenting a unique event with the outcome unknown.  You’re influencing the outcome.  And what might be learned from the film has been tainted. It can no longer be considered valid.” – Barry Hampe “Making Documentary Films and Videos”

Thoughts?


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  • Jonas

    The idea that you can document an event without influencing it is unlikely, as the mere presence of the camera or observer changes the dynamics of the situation already. People behave differently; are more self-conscious, pose more, say more provocative things, etc. You can try to be as objective and non-intrusive as you want, and that's probably a good thing to strive for, but unless you're documenting by hidden camera, it will remain an ideal.

  • Amber

    Do you have any recommendations for good documentaries? I don't know what kind of documentaries your into but MAN ON WIRE is amazing. Made me tear up a bit(probably cuz I'm a girl). Check it out if you can.

  • printmatic

    I actually just saw Man on Wire last week and you're right, it will definitely make you tear up. I did the same thing. that movie is amazing. give me a sec and I'll write up a list of some of the best docs i've seen lately