Morris transforms an inaccessible past into a reality by merging narrative and documentary in this powerful film. The overarching theme throughout the Thin Blue Line is the concept of truth. Morris presents the so-called “facts” to the viewer, just as the witnesses tell them, and leaves it up to the audience to determine the verdict. Of course, we all know who is in prison for the crime. Morris encourages the viewer to correct the deceptiveness presented through the film’s characters. Morris’ uniquely constructed re-enactments in The Thin Blue Line provide the viewer with a quality and understanding that has been historically difficult for documentary film. Using these re-enactments, Morris’ is able to provide the clarity needed to understand the case.
While many filmmakers struggle with the impact of film on social change, The Thin Blue Line proved a successful challenge. While this may or may not have been Morris’ intention, it sets an example and inspiration for many aspiring filmmakers. The impact of this documentary actually resulted in the exoneration an innocent man, Randall Adams.
1 comment:
The Thin Blue Line is one of my favorite documentaries. Errol Morris managed to make the visual imagery appealing when he had little to work with. His reenactments are so meticulously lit and shot, and in combination with Phillip Glass’ score it gave me goosebumps the first time I saw it. There’s a shot in one of the reenactment scenes of an interrogation room through a window that I love. Even his interviews feel eerie—as they should. The amazing story of Randall Adams is a real-life nightmare. Obviously, Morris treated his subject with more respect than anyone else was. By the end of the film, the viewer is so angry with the justice system that they want to stop the movie and protest. But Morris’ audio interview with David Harris, in which he recants his testimony is one of the most important moments in documentary filmmaking. The film’s publicity did get Adams a retrial and subsequently released. Sadly, he ended up suing Error Morris for the rights to his story but they settled out of court.
Post a Comment