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How does the sequencing of a documentary, the positioning of interview subjects in opposition to each other – they can work to undermine or support each other – and may highlight, inform, or illuminate specific elements of a story
The fallibility of the subject – why it’s important to interview many people – the skewed memory – the false witness
The Thin Blue Line is a classic example of the fallibility of memory and unreliable subjects, which often may lead a film to present a skewed version of events, with half-truths or complete fabrications. This makes for good drama, however poses ethical questions when it comes to representation and fact. In the case of The Thin Blue Line, the positioning of conflicting interviews against each other, and the layering of audio from one subject over the image of another, worked to create tension by bringing the witness testimonies into direct conflict with one another, forcing the audience to attempt to discern just who is telling the truth.