On the Absolute, the Sublime and Ecstatic Truth, Werner brings up some important questions and answers for how he has established truths in his filming career and in his life. The ideas that "facts have a bizarre power" and "heresay" being considered credible evidence for truth are important for our discussion of truth in the style of documentary films. Part of what makes a documentary so riveting is the fact that an audience is aware of its credibility. We hold documentaries in such high esteem due to the fact that we can believe comfortably that what we are watching is true. But the point here is that the "heresay" and "facts" that make a documentary are in question, not to mention new technologies like photoshop that may bring in some skepticism.
In terms of explaining events and truth, Man on Wire did a swell job. What gave the film its authenticity were the actual footage from the 70s of Phillippe highwire walking from atop several famous monuments. The relationships between the different crew members was also important because it determined how they would relay the information for making the film. It was very important for the audience to know the roles that each member played, how they did it, and the fact that they were willing to break the law for the sake of a close friend. These facts were important to the story.
Another element of authenticity was that it was a recount of events that citizens in respective cities were eye witnesses for. Phillippe's act was technically a crime so there were police reports filed on the event in New York City, giving even more credibility to the story. There seemed to be relatively little room for more modern technology to play a role. Aside from a few fabricated images of the crew stealing up to the World Trade Center roof (which were talked through by the crew member themselves), the rest of the film were either interviews or actual footage of Phillippe highwire walking.
However, there was one scene I found puzzling. For those who have seen the film, how can the interaction with the one police officer on the roof be explained? After Phillippe and his crewmate emerged from hiding underneath the tarp, they made there way to the final staircase that ascended up and to the outside. The two made eye contact with an officer who was on duty, but didn't have any trouble with him. In an interview Phillippe mentioned that they had been seen, but doesn't explain how or why they were able to carry out the act. Wouldn't the officer have stopped them? Its a bit unclear.
Werner also mentions "the greatness of soul" as an important element of the sublime. The fact that Phillippe was indeed breaking the law but without any "cruelty" or "harm" made him feel justified. The crime itself, although daring and incredibly dangerous, did not end up hurting anybody. He was able to fulfill a passion and people were able to be entertained. People cheered and when NYPD arrested him, Phillippe was proud that he had carried out a dream and performed a miracle of sorts. To me, this is a "greatness of soul" that Werner is talking about. It is not so much based upon functionalities of the senses, but rather a function of the soul: carrying out a passion or a dream to better yourself.
What do you think? Does this "functioning" of Phillippe's soul give the film (and even the very act of highwalking) credibility?
Through the combination of interviews, footage, and reenactments I do believe the film is credible. In the one scene you are thinking of, I think they may have gone overboard making the reenactment aesthetically pleasing as to not show how hidden in the shadows they may have been. I just assumed that the light on the security guards desk kept him from seeing into the shadows well, and how they weren't wearing shoes so could be quiet. Otherwise, I think all of the eyewitness accounts, how similar the interviews all told the story, and the use of authentic footage really gives the film credit.
ReplyDeleteYou raise an interesting point in your analysis, Ian. I have not seen the entire film, but looked up information about its credibility. While it is an issue with some viewers, most seem to accept the film as truth...albeit often solely because it is labeled as a documentary. After seeing many videos online of individuals filming their own personal ascent of skyscrapers and great urban heights, I believe it is possible to do so without being spotted--so long as the daredevil has meticulously planned out the endevour, which Phillipe clearly has done. I also agree with David that the eye-witness accounts and interviews bring a very real, personal sense of credibility to the film. Overall, "Man On Wire" seems to be shot in a way that places the viewer right next to the action as a bystander.
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