Reading Response to The Uncertainty of Documentarism & Notes for Five Obstructions
The Uncertainty of Documentarism
1. 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?
– Steryerl mentions that “Paradoxically, documentary images are so powerful because there is no more unbroken belief in their truth.”, which in this context I think “unbroken belief” means truths and lies are so intertwined in documentaries that people will just accept whatever they say, hence an “unbroken belief” in them. However, with “unbroken belief” being challenged, it means that people are more inclined to and wanting of the actual truth in documentaries instead of lies. People would rather live with truth rather than a lie, and as such documentaries should reflect that. As for how truth informs the fiction, I’d say the truth allows for the basis of the fiction to be based off on, with fiction then growing into its own thing from the truth but still reflecting of it in some respects. On the other hand, fiction informs the truth in that it encourages people to be interested and seek the truth behind the fiction. The fiction attracts attention, while the truth attracts those keen on learning about it.
2. 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?
– I would say that authenticity and representation of the truth is a major part of the media I consume daily, as a good chunk of it hinges on things being authenticity and truthful. This is due to the sheer ease of lies that are prominent within them, hence a need for people to go out and show authenticity and truth to others in order to combat the lies spread. Lies are everywhere, so perhaps even things that are authenticity and truthful may be seen as lies. Hence, reputations must be built so as to show who is reliable and who isn’t when it comes to information. As for the role of a live broadcast, I would say that its job is to show what exactly is happening as it is going on, hence a truthful representation of the event that anyone and everyone can watch and have access to. They are the least likely form of media to be a lie, hence why many consider them important to today’s society that is filled with lies.
Five Obstructions Notes:
- What are the precise rules of each of the obstructions?
– Obstuction 1: No single edit may be longer than 12 frames, answer all questions asked in the narration of the film, filming must be in Cuba, and no staged set will be built and used for the film
– Obstruction 2: Must be filmed in a miserable place defined by you, don’t show drama happening in film, Jorgen Leth plays Claus Niseen/The Man in the film,and there will be a meal in the film.
– Obstruction 3: Film it freestyle/however way you want to or go back to film in Bombay
– Obstruction 4: Make the film a cartoon
– Obstruction 5: Lars Von Trier will make the last obstruction, Jorgen Leth will be credited as the director of the film, and Jorgen Leth will read a text written by Lars Von Trier
- How does Jorgen cope with the obstructions?
– He at first complains and vents about how restrict the obstructions are. He talks with someone else about these obstructions in a joking manner. But then he accepts and plans out a way to make the film possible. With each obstruction Jorgen gets more and more used to filming under challenges. - What is the effect on the movies he produces?
Many of the movies feel strange and incomplete as a result of the obstructions placed. However, I’d say that is what makes them interesting, in that it is up to us to figure out the message of them.