1.4 Objectivity and subjectivity
7 min read•august 20, 2024
and shape how documentaries represent reality. Filmmakers must balance these approaches to craft compelling narratives while maintaining ethical standards. Understanding this interplay is crucial for creating impactful and trustworthy documentaries.
The spectrum between objectivity and subjectivity influences a filmmaker's voice and audience interpretation. While objectivity aims for impartiality, subjectivity embraces personal perspective. Finding the right balance is key to creating authentic and engaging documentaries.
Defining objectivity and subjectivity
- Objectivity and subjectivity are two contrasting approaches to representing reality in documentary filmmaking
- Understanding the differences between these perspectives is crucial for crafting compelling and ethical narratives
- The balance between objectivity and subjectivity shapes the filmmaker's voice and the audience's interpretation of the story
Objectivity as impartial perspective
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The Wolfpack and the ethics of documentary filmmaking | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original
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- Objectivity aims to present facts and events without or personal opinion
- Requires the filmmaker to maintain a neutral stance and avoid imposing their own judgments
- Strives to capture reality as it is, without distortion or manipulation
Subjectivity as personal interpretation
- Subjectivity acknowledges the filmmaker's personal perspective and experiences in shaping the narrative
- Embraces the idea that no representation of reality can be entirely objective
- Allows for creative expression and the exploration of complex emotions and ideas
Spectrum of objectivity vs subjectivity
- Most documentaries fall somewhere on a spectrum between pure objectivity and pure subjectivity
- The degree of objectivity or subjectivity depends on the filmmaker's intentions, the subject matter, and the chosen storytelling techniques
- Finding the right balance is key to creating a compelling and authentic documentary
Role of objectivity in documentaries
- Objectivity plays a significant role in establishing the credibility and trustworthiness of a documentary
- Adhering to journalistic standards of objectivity helps to build the audience's confidence in the information presented
- However, achieving true objectivity is challenging, as the filmmaker's choices inevitably shape the narrative
Journalistic standards of objectivity
- Fact-based reporting and the use of reliable sources
- Presenting multiple perspectives and viewpoints
- Avoiding sensationalism or the manipulation of facts
Objectivity for credibility and trust
- Objectivity helps to establish the documentary as a reliable source of information
- Encourages the audience to engage with the content critically and form their own opinions
- Builds trust between the filmmaker and the audience
Challenges in achieving true objectivity
- The filmmaker's background, experiences, and biases can influence their perspective
- The selection and omission of information, as well as the framing of shots, can create unintentional bias
- The presence of the camera and crew can alter the behavior of subjects and the reality being captured
Subjectivity in documentary storytelling
- Subjectivity allows the filmmaker to express their unique voice and perspective
- Embracing subjectivity can lead to more emotionally resonant and thought-provoking narratives
- However, excessive subjectivity can undermine the documentary's credibility and alienate audiences
Filmmaker's point of view and bias
- The filmmaker's personal experiences, beliefs, and values shape their approach to the story
- Subjectivity can manifest through the choice of subjects, the questions asked, and the way the story is structured
- Acknowledging and transparently communicating the filmmaker's bias can enhance the audience's understanding of the perspective presented
Subjective choices in narrative structure
- The order in which events are presented and the emphasis placed on certain aspects of the story
- The use of music, sound design, and visual effects to evoke specific emotions or create a desired atmosphere
- The inclusion or exclusion of certain characters or storylines
Subjectivity in character portrayal
- The way subjects are framed, interviewed, and edited can shape the audience's perception of them
- Subjective choices in character development can create empathy, admiration, or criticism
- Balancing the portrayal of characters to avoid stereotyping or oversimplification
Balancing objectivity and subjectivity
- Finding the right balance between objectivity and subjectivity is essential for creating an engaging and ethical documentary
- Transparency about the filmmaker's perspective and the methods used can help maintain the audience's trust
- Presenting multiple viewpoints fairly and avoiding the manipulation of the audience are key considerations
Transparency about filmmaker's perspective
- Openly communicating the filmmaker's background, intentions, and biases
- Using reflexive techniques, such as on-screen presence or voiceover narration, to acknowledge subjectivity
- Providing context for the filmmaker's choices and the limitations of the documentary's scope
Presenting multiple viewpoints fairly
- Including a diverse range of perspectives and experiences related to the subject matter
- Giving equal weight and screen time to different viewpoints, even if they contradict the filmmaker's position
- Encouraging the audience to consider multiple interpretations and draw their own conclusions
Avoiding manipulation of audience
- Refraining from using misleading editing techniques or sensationalized storytelling
- Presenting facts and evidence accurately and in context
- Allowing the audience to form their own opinions based on the information provided
Ethical considerations
- Documentary filmmakers have a responsibility to their subjects, their audience, and the truth
- Navigating the balance between objectivity and subjectivity raises important ethical questions
- Maintaining integrity and authenticity is crucial for upholding the documentary's purpose and impact
Responsibility to subjects and audience
- Treating subjects with respect, dignity, and
- Avoiding exploitation or misrepresentation of vulnerable individuals or communities
- Being transparent with the audience about the documentary's intentions, methods, and limitations
Objectivity vs advocacy in documentaries
- Some documentaries aim to maintain objectivity, while others openly advocate for a particular cause or perspective
- Advocacy documentaries can be powerful tools for social change but may face criticism for lack of objectivity
- Clear communication of the documentary's purpose and the filmmaker's stance is essential
Maintaining integrity and authenticity
- Adhering to ethical standards of truthfulness, accuracy, and fairness
- Avoiding staged or manipulated scenes that misrepresent reality
- Being accountable for the impact of the documentary on its subjects and audience
Techniques for objective storytelling
- Objective storytelling techniques aim to minimize the filmmaker's influence and present a balanced, fact-based narrative
- These techniques help to establish the documentary's credibility and encourage critical engagement from the audience
- However, it is important to recognize that no technique can guarantee complete objectivity
Fact-checking and research
- Thorough research and verification of information from multiple reliable sources
- Consulting with experts and stakeholders to ensure accuracy and completeness
- Providing citations and references for key facts and statistics
Unbiased interviewing and editing
- Asking open-ended questions that allow subjects to express their own perspectives
- Avoiding leading questions or selective editing that could misrepresent a subject's views
- Including a balanced range of voices and experiences related to the topic
Minimizing filmmaker's presence on-screen
- Using an observational style that captures events as they unfold, without intervention
- Avoiding voiceover narration or on-screen appearances that could influence the audience's interpretation
- Letting the story and the subjects speak for themselves
Techniques for subjective storytelling
- Subjective storytelling techniques embrace the filmmaker's creative voice and personal perspective
- These techniques can create emotionally powerful and thought-provoking narratives that resonate with audiences
- However, it is important to use these techniques responsibly and transparently to maintain the documentary's integrity
Personal voice and reflexivity
- Using voiceover narration or on-screen presence to convey the filmmaker's perspective and experiences
- Acknowledging the filmmaker's role in shaping the narrative and the limitations of their viewpoint
- Inviting the audience to reflect on their own subjectivity and the construction of the documentary
Expressive cinematography and sound design
- Using creative visual and auditory techniques to evoke specific emotions or atmospheres
- Employing metaphorical or symbolic imagery to convey deeper meanings or themes
- Collaborating with cinematographers and sound designers to craft a distinct aesthetic style
Interpretive and poetic approaches
- Experimenting with non-linear storytelling, associative editing, or unconventional structures
- Incorporating elements of performance, reenactment, or animation to explore subjective experiences
- Blurring the lines between documentary and art to create a more expressive and personal work
Objectivity and subjectivity in reception
- The audience's interpretation of a documentary is inherently subjective, shaped by their own experiences, beliefs, and cultural contexts
- Critics and scholars also bring their own subjectivity to the assessment of a documentary's objectivity and merit
- Understanding the role of subjectivity in reception can help filmmakers anticipate and navigate diverse responses to their work
Audience interpretation and subjectivity
- Each viewer brings their own unique perspective and background to the interpretation of a documentary
- The same documentary can evoke different emotional responses and intellectual conclusions from different audience members
- Filmmakers can encourage active engagement and critical thinking by leaving room for multiple interpretations
Critics' assessment of objectivity
- Film critics and scholars evaluate documentaries based on their own criteria for objectivity and subjectivity
- Reviews and analyses can shape public perception of a documentary's credibility and impact
- Filmmakers can benefit from considering diverse critical perspectives and engaging in constructive dialogue
Cultural and political contexts of reception
- The cultural, social, and political contexts in which a documentary is released can influence its reception
- Documentaries that challenge dominant narratives or power structures may face resistance or censorship
- Filmmakers should be aware of the potential implications of their work in different contexts and communities
Key Terms to Review (18)
Audience Engagement: Audience engagement refers to the ways in which a documentary connects and interacts with its viewers, encouraging them to think, feel, and respond to the content. This engagement can be achieved through various elements such as storytelling techniques, visual aesthetics, and emotional resonance, all of which influence how effectively the audience relates to the themes presented. Engaging an audience often leads to deeper understanding and reflection on the subject matter, enhancing the overall impact of the documentary.
Authorial voice: Authorial voice refers to the distinctive style, tone, and perspective that a creator imparts to their work, shaping how the narrative is perceived by the audience. This voice can reflect personal beliefs, emotional nuances, and subjective interpretations, which play a significant role in how stories are told and understood. The authorial voice can greatly influence the balance between objectivity and subjectivity in storytelling, highlighting the creator's choices in presenting information and character experiences.
Bias: Bias refers to a tendency or inclination to favor one perspective, idea, or group over others, often leading to a skewed or unfair representation of information. In the context of narratives and documentaries, bias can significantly impact how stories are told and received, shaping audience perceptions and understandings of the subject matter. It is essential to recognize bias in order to approach narratives with a critical mindset and seek out more objective representations.
Bill Nichols: Bill Nichols is a prominent scholar in the field of documentary studies, known for his work on the theoretical framework and various modes of documentary filmmaking. His analysis focuses on how documentaries engage with reality, exploring the balance between objectivity and subjectivity and how filmmakers convey their perspective to audiences through visual storytelling.
Constructivist Theory: Constructivist theory posits that knowledge is constructed by individuals through their interactions with the world and is influenced by their experiences, beliefs, and social contexts. This approach emphasizes the active role of learners in making sense of information rather than passively receiving it, highlighting the subjective nature of understanding and interpretation.
Editing for emotion: Editing for emotion refers to the process of manipulating video and audio elements to evoke specific feelings from the audience. This technique involves careful selection of shots, sound design, pacing, and transitions to create an emotional response, whether it be joy, sadness, tension, or relief. The way a story is edited shapes viewers' perceptions and can enhance the subjective experience of the narrative.
Expository Documentary: An expository documentary is a genre of filmmaking that aims to inform and educate the audience by presenting a clear argument or narrative through voice-over commentary, interviews, and visual evidence. This type of documentary often takes an objective stance, using various research methods to provide factual information while addressing social, political, or historical issues.
First-Person Narration: First-person narration is a storytelling technique where the narrator is a character within the story, using 'I' or 'we' to convey personal experiences and insights. This perspective allows for a deeply subjective view of events, emotions, and thoughts, offering an intimate connection between the narrator and the audience. It often shapes how viewers perceive the truth of the narrative, blending personal memory with factual storytelling.
Informed consent: Informed consent is the process of obtaining voluntary agreement from individuals before participating in research or media production, ensuring they fully understand what participation involves, including potential risks and benefits. This concept is crucial in maintaining ethical standards, safeguarding individuals' rights, and fostering trust between filmmakers and subjects.
Interviews: Interviews are structured conversations where one person asks questions to gather information or insights from another person. In narrative documentary production, interviews play a crucial role in shaping the story by providing personal perspectives, emotional depth, and key information relevant to the subject being explored.
John Grierson: John Grierson was a Scottish filmmaker and documentarian, often credited as the father of documentary film. He emphasized the importance of using film as a means to convey truth and social issues, advocating for a balance between objective representation and subjective storytelling in documentary filmmaking. Grierson’s work laid the foundation for understanding the complexities of objectivity and subjectivity in the genre, where filmmakers often navigate between presenting facts and interpreting them through a personal lens.
Juxtaposition: Juxtaposition is a technique used in visual storytelling that involves placing two or more elements side by side to create contrast, highlight differences, or provoke thought. This technique enhances narrative depth by drawing attention to contrasts in themes, emotions, or ideas, allowing viewers to engage more deeply with the content. It plays a critical role in shaping perceptions of objectivity versus subjectivity, enhancing B-roll and establishing shots, and influencing pacing and rhythm in a narrative.
Objectivity: Objectivity refers to the practice of presenting information and perspectives without bias, personal feelings, or subjective interpretations. In narrative documentary production, it emphasizes neutrality and the aim to represent reality as it is, which can impact how stories are told and understood. Understanding objectivity is crucial for filmmakers who wish to provide a balanced portrayal of events, people, and cultures while also grappling with the challenges of capturing truth in a medium often influenced by individual perspective.
Observational documentary: Observational documentary is a filmmaking style that aims to capture reality as it unfolds without intervention or manipulation by the filmmaker. This approach emphasizes a fly-on-the-wall perspective, allowing audiences to witness events and interactions naturally, which often leads to a deeper connection with the subject matter. This style connects strongly with themes of research methods, objectivity versus subjectivity, natural dialogue, broadcasting techniques, and the narrative depth found in specific films.
Point of View: Point of view refers to the perspective from which a story or documentary is told, influencing how the audience perceives the narrative. It shapes the emotions, biases, and interpretations that viewers experience, whether through a subjective lens that presents personal opinions and feelings or an objective lens that seeks to portray facts without personal bias. Understanding point of view is essential in narrative documentary production as it helps determine the reliability of the presented information and guides the viewer's emotional engagement with the subject matter.
Representational Theory: Representational theory is a concept in media studies that examines how reality is depicted through various forms of representation, including images, sounds, and narratives. This theory highlights the processes by which these representations shape our understanding of the world, emphasizing the distinction between objective truth and subjective interpretation, particularly in how stories are told and received.
Subjectivity: Subjectivity refers to the personal perspectives, feelings, and opinions that shape individual experiences and interpretations of reality. It acknowledges that each person's understanding of the world is influenced by their unique background, beliefs, and emotions. This concept is essential in storytelling, particularly in documentary filmmaking, as it highlights the idea that documentaries can never be completely objective, but instead offer a subjective lens through which audiences can engage with a narrative.
Viewer interpretation: Viewer interpretation refers to the way individuals understand and make meaning of a film or documentary based on their personal experiences, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds. This concept emphasizes that different viewers can arrive at various conclusions or emotional responses to the same content, influenced by factors such as context, subjectivity, and the presentation of information. It highlights the interaction between the filmic text and the audience, indicating that meaning is not solely created by the filmmaker but is co-constructed with the viewer.