The observational mode has a quality which makes it appear as if the filmmaker is stepping out of the world they are filming and letting the audience just observe what is going on. The filmmakers trust approach is one that relies on the audience making connects without the filmmaker narrating the connections like the expository mode. A example of this style is seen in the clip from the film High School, which we watched in class. In this scene the filmmaker doesn’t say anything to direct our opinion of the subjects but just spends time with them so that the audience can form their own opinions. We discussed how this clip didn’t need narration to make the connection that the school’s authoritative figure in this scene wasn’t listening to a word the young man was saying. The filmmaker is using this scene to make a statement on how some figures of authority are ‘above’ that of others and show this through their behavior to others.
An issue which comes up with documentary filmmaker, particularly in regards to the observational mode, is the ethical issue of being sure one is not prying into anthers life disrespectfully. Nichols makes some good points that the filmmaker needs to be aware to what extent they have informed the subject about how the participation in the film will affect them. Also, the filmmakers has to strive to find the balance between the social actors awareness of the camera and how this affects there normal activities. Another ethical issue which Nichols points out is the question of when should a filmmaker intervene in a situation. Nichols presents that these situations are ones which the filmmaker will have to judge personally in the situation. These ethical issues are difficult because no matter what one chooses to do you’ll still end up upsetting someone.
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