The subjects of the Crafting Truth chapters you read last week and are reading this one focus on Authority and Responsibility and how those terms apply to documentary making. With that in mind, please watch the polarizing and provocative The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia on Netflix Instant and tell me as specifically as possible what you think the director Julien Nitzberg's approach to the material is? Is he being Responsible in his portrayal of the White family? If so, how? If not, how not? And how does Nitzberg (a friend of mine from college who I might try and get to Skype in to our class) show Authority in this film - or does he? Please answer these questions and remember to provide an example of two from the film itself to support your claims.
Additionally, I'd like to know what (or whose) interest you think this film serves. What impact might it have on those watching it (like you)? Does it take into account the welfare of the people represented? If so, how? And finally, is the film Authentic or not? If so, how? If not, why not?
I look forward to hearing everything you have to say about this, especially in terms of Responsibility, Evidence, Authority and Authenticity - by no later than 9 am on Wednesday morning, of course.