Leslie Fischman
Critical Thinking
Journal
10/24/06
Documenting Historical Ramifications of Vietnam War
“The Fog of War” encapsulates the complexities of documenting history from an objective standpoint. Instead of using a variety of subjects, “The Fog of War” is primarily narrated from the standpoint of one man and his experiences and involvement. Its not often that the perspectives of those on the inside are heard. This film is unique in that it takes on an alternate approach to the retelling of history, providing insight to the controversy surrounding the Vietnam war and those directly and indirectly involved within the decision making process. The central figure narrating the events which led up to the Vietnam war and his description of how we eventually pulled out, attempts to legitimize his perspective by disclosing some very personal experiences and conversations he had with some of the key players and political figures involved at the time.
One aspect of the documentary that made it unique was the use of “Lessons” to introduce a new concept or issue that was to be addressed. With each new lesson introduced, the filmmaker found historical evidence to support each claim made, along with first person narration. One of the lessons mentioned was “Belief and seeing are often both wrong,” which emphasizes how when we only hear “half the story, we see what we want to hear” which in effect influences our opinions and the way in which we interpret the information we are given.
Through the use of story telling, the filmmaker offers a direct connection between the history of the war and the people involved. In film, one can use a multitude of medium to illustrate a point by using photos, previously recorded video-tapings, as well as through the use of story telling. Not only are we offered evidence of what did happen, we are also given “counterfactuals” of what might have otherwise happened, as a parallel to the pattern of events as occurring similarly to a “Domino effect”.
One point in particular that stood out to me the most was lesson number nine which stated, “In order to do good, you may have to engage in evil.” Drawing attention to the necessity of war and the moral conflict associated with humans killing humans. For instance many Americans found it difficult to support engagement in the evils of war and its purpose when no apparent progress had been made. On the outside the solution seems simple, to back out when nothing has been accomplished. However this documentary shows us that things are not always as they seem and that war is often more complex and beyond our general understanding of the reasons why we went to war. Often times the public is left with so little information, that it makes it difficult for them to rationalize with those in power of taking us to war and refusing to pull out.
Critical Thinking
Journal
10/24/06
Documenting Historical Ramifications of Vietnam War
“The Fog of War” encapsulates the complexities of documenting history from an objective standpoint. Instead of using a variety of subjects, “The Fog of War” is primarily narrated from the standpoint of one man and his experiences and involvement. Its not often that the perspectives of those on the inside are heard. This film is unique in that it takes on an alternate approach to the retelling of history, providing insight to the controversy surrounding the Vietnam war and those directly and indirectly involved within the decision making process. The central figure narrating the events which led up to the Vietnam war and his description of how we eventually pulled out, attempts to legitimize his perspective by disclosing some very personal experiences and conversations he had with some of the key players and political figures involved at the time.
One aspect of the documentary that made it unique was the use of “Lessons” to introduce a new concept or issue that was to be addressed. With each new lesson introduced, the filmmaker found historical evidence to support each claim made, along with first person narration. One of the lessons mentioned was “Belief and seeing are often both wrong,” which emphasizes how when we only hear “half the story, we see what we want to hear” which in effect influences our opinions and the way in which we interpret the information we are given.
Through the use of story telling, the filmmaker offers a direct connection between the history of the war and the people involved. In film, one can use a multitude of medium to illustrate a point by using photos, previously recorded video-tapings, as well as through the use of story telling. Not only are we offered evidence of what did happen, we are also given “counterfactuals” of what might have otherwise happened, as a parallel to the pattern of events as occurring similarly to a “Domino effect”.
One point in particular that stood out to me the most was lesson number nine which stated, “In order to do good, you may have to engage in evil.” Drawing attention to the necessity of war and the moral conflict associated with humans killing humans. For instance many Americans found it difficult to support engagement in the evils of war and its purpose when no apparent progress had been made. On the outside the solution seems simple, to back out when nothing has been accomplished. However this documentary shows us that things are not always as they seem and that war is often more complex and beyond our general understanding of the reasons why we went to war. Often times the public is left with so little information, that it makes it difficult for them to rationalize with those in power of taking us to war and refusing to pull out.
