Hito Steyerl is discussing the changing nature of documentary images and the challenges to the “unbroken belief” in their truth. By “unbroken belief,” she means the unquestioned trust and faith that people historically placed in documentary images, assuming they accurately represented reality. She highlights that in the contemporary digital age, this belief is being increasingly challenged due to the proliferation of documentary images that are uncertain, abstract, and lack focus.
Steyerl argues that documentary images are no longer primarily about representing reality accurately. Instead, they are about expressing the uncertainty, tension, and excitement of the world in which they are created. In the age of digital reproduction and information overload, the focus has shifted from objectivity and scientific integrity to intensity and emotional impact. People no longer rely on images for straightforward information but for the affective experiences they provide.
This shift raises questions about the relationship between truth and fiction. In the context of documentary films and movies based on true stories, truth informs fiction when filmmakers draw from real events and facts to create narratives that resonate with the audience. These works can serve to shed light on historical or current events, providing insight into reality through storytelling.
On the other hand, fiction can inform the truth by creating narratives or scenarios that challenge conventional perceptions and provoke critical thinking. In some cases, fiction can be used to allegorically depict social or political issues, offering a lens through which to view and understand reality in a new light. It can serve as a means of social commentary or critique.
The significance of authenticity and representation of truth in the media that people consume on a daily basis is substantial. The public relies on media outlets to provide accurate and credible information about current events, politics, and societal issues. Authenticity in reporting ensures that the audience can trust the information they receive. However, Steyerl’s point is that the contemporary media landscape often blurs the line between authenticity and the representation of truth, as the desire for intensity and emotional engagement can sometimes overshadow strict adherence to objective reporting.
The role of a live broadcast, as mentioned in Steyerl’s text, is to provide a sense of immediacy and presence in the coverage of events. Live broadcasts aim to bring the audience closer to real-time events and create a feeling of “being there.” However, in this quest for immediacy and intensity, the images presented may lack the traditional clarity and focus associated with documentary truth. Live broadcasts can evoke strong emotions and reactions but may not always provide a comprehensive or objective view of the events they depict. The line between representation and expression in live broadcasts can become blurred, contributing to the uncertainty and tension in contemporary documentarism.
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