The Documentary Idea

Defining a subject, particularly a subject that deals with art and creation, is often very difficult. I found as we discussed the topic in class, and as I began reading in our texts, that finding a definition for 'Documentary Film' is quite slippery. It clearly has evolved, and will evolve. I feel that understanding this facet of documentary makes thinking about the genre so much more exciting. It really is an ancient form of expression, but now made accessible with extremely powerful tools. I enjoyed the way that Nichols compares documentary film to the indexical image. (Paraphrasing)It is an imprint of things made by instruments that have the capacity to reproduce with high fidelity. He mentions cameras and sound recorders. I found it helpful to start talking about documentary in that most basic of terms: simply an imprint of things, but given a unique perspective/interpretation.
Ai Wei Wei was a recording of events and organized to deliver a unique perspective and interpretation of the world. The film excellently unveils human struggles both ideologically, and physically, as we observe the lives of the film's subjects. Though the film in reality consists of physical imprints of light and sound frequencies made by instruments, it is delivered in such a way that is is so much more than just an indexical thing. It is a 'documentary'. And an effective one at that. This seems to be due in part to the way the film engages and deals with conflict. Ai Wei Wei is clearly struggling for his intellectual and arguably his physical freedom. We sympathise -- potentially empathize, with his struggle and desire his success. We can recognize his strengths and shortcomings thanks to careful and honest filmmaking. This allows for his imprint, or portrayal to be more rounded and human.