do observational documentaries present an ‘objective’ construction of reality and the other modes of documentary (expository, interactive, reflexive) indicate a ‘subjective’ construction?
Do observational documentaries present an ‘objective’ construction of reality and the other modes of documentary (expository, interactive, reflexive) indicate a ‘subjective’ construction?
‘Documentaries can be seen as either objective or subjective attempts at uncovering the truth, and all documentaries usually strive to achieve a sense of the truth in their work. Differences emerge in the style of execution and sense of perception of a film’s presentation.’
(Jane Chapman, (2009) Issues in Contemporary Documentary)
According to Bill Nichols, ‘Observational documentaries de-emphasise persuasion to give us a sense of what is like to be in a situation without a sense of what it is like for the filmmaker to be there, too. Interactive/Participatory documentaries gives us a sense of what is like for the filmmaker to be in a given situation and how that situation alters as a result.’
Question:
In response to the quotes above, do observational documentaries present an ‘objective’ construction of reality and the other modes of documentary (expository, interactive, reflexive) indicate a ‘subjective’ construction? Does this mean that one mode provides a more authentic representation of the truth than other modes?