The Uncertainty of Documentarism Reading Response
In the article, the author mainly argued that the notion of “documentary truth” has become increasingly difficult to believe in due to the fact that images and information can be manipulated and disseminated at a rapid pace through digital technologies. What’s more, documentary films are also now being used for military and other agencies’ propaganda, making the facticity even worse.
- For the first question about “the unbroken belief”, Steyerl explained in the article that the idea of a documentary perspective that should have been objective has always been challenged by social, cultural, and political factors that may influence the function of representating the reality. Additionally, digital technology make the processing and spread of information and images much easier and more efficient than before, which undermines the representation of reality even worse.
About fictional films, the fictional part of the film is based on the truth, but I think it also reflects and upgrades the representation of truth by expressing a perspective on the truth. Truth is the cornerstone of everything, allowing for freedom of plot development.
2. In my daily life, authencity is important in the social media in that without it, the world would only be consumed with skepticism and panic. And authencity also provides us with a sense of safety and clues for us to make decisions. The most important thing is, it provides us with what is justice and equality.
I seldom watch live broadcasts. But I think it is a relatively authentic way of representing the truth compared with videos and films, because it is presented to us instantaneously without the time to be editted. However, it’s main purpose is also for business and sales. So the authencity is also worth questioning.