Discussion Questions
- Steyerl talks about how the “unbroken belief” of the documentary form is challenged. What does Steyerl mean by this? Certain movies and films are based on a true story. How does truth inform the fiction? How might fiction inform the truth?
Documentaries, despite being believed to be factual or objective, can create a false sense of reality because they play with human emotion to share a message. Some facts and images may not be completely clear. Addressing the emotional focus of documentarism Steyerl writes, “In this affective mode, documentary forms create false intimacy and even false presence.” What this means is that portrayals of real events can be presented in a way that creates a fictitious setting due to the emotion they build. At the same time, such fictitious connection to an event, place, or time can sometimes be such an accurate portrayal of reality so that it is somehow true.
- What is the significance of the authenticity and representation of the truth in the media that you consume on a daily basis? What is the role of a live broadcast?
The media that I consume impacts the way that I perceive the world. Media can quickly and easily create subconscious biases so it is important to be aware of that as I absorb messages given in the media. A live broadcast can create a stronger sense of authenticity because it is raw and present in a moment. However, producers can take advantage of the belief that live broadcast seems more real. The emotional experience of feeling a part of the event which is being broadcasted live may be manufactured and not objectively real.
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