Month: March 2024

The realm of documentary storytelling was explored and analyzed in the film Standard Operating Procedure and the memoir The Ticking is the Bomb. Despite the varying formats and deliveries of information, both documentaries explore the complex narratives surrounding the the Abu Gharib scandal; this was a large maximum-security prison used by the United states during the Iraq War that was later exposed for countless acts of physical abuse, sexual humiliation, and torture to the detainees. Through uncovering this scandal, a key concept that emerged is the idea of representation; how documentaries construct and convey meaning through stylistic choices and documentary modes. Both Errol Morris, the director of Standard Operating Procedure, and Nick Flynn, the author of The Ticking is the Bomb, make individual stylistic choices which shape the audience’s perspective, connection with the information, and overall persuasiveness.

Standard Operating Procedure aligns heavily with the expository mode of documentary, which plays a pivotal role in the overall persuasiveness of the film. For instance, Morris incorporates interviews with soldiers, archival footage, and reenactments to construct a comprehensive narrative of the Abu Ghraib scandal. This approach allows viewers to engage directly with the events and individuals and we see firsthand the emotions, reactions, and testimonies of those that were directly impacted. The expository mode emphasizes a chronological framework, with an end goal of providing an accurate and genuine representation of reality. Providing a raw and unfiltered look at individual experiences is a powerful technique, and it is enhanced by Morris’ filming decisions. Unlike conventional interviews, where the camera and interviewer often have a side-on position, Morris positions them both directly in line with the individual, giving the viewer a straight on view. This develops a sense of intimacy between the film viewer and individual being interviewed; the audience is brought closer to the experiences and emotions that are being displayed. Since Morris prioritizes showcasing the reality of events, he must rely on abstract visualizations and reenactments. An example of this can be seen with the photographs of interrogations of the detainees, however, it is only a representation of what occurred. Morris strives to present an accurate portrayal of the Abu Gharib scandal, but viewers must acknowledge the film’s potential subjectivity and bias in the shaping of the narrative, especially with the several reenactments.

One aspect of Morris’ documentary that needs to be further explored is the use of reenactments and abstract visuals. These reenactments can enhance the visual storytelling and provide the viewers with context; however, they raise questions regarding authenticity and subjectivity. Sometimes, it is even difficult to tell what scenes are reenactments and which are not. Do these reenactments reshape the viewers’ perception and interpretations of reality? This dives into the broader idea of how representing historical events is an extremely complex and difficult challenge; how can directors or writers balance the truth while also portraying a persuasive narrative?  

In “The Ticking is the Bomb” by Nick Flynn, the reader is immersed into a blend of personal narrative and societal critique. The effectiveness of his message is enhanced by his deliberative rhetoric and style. His style is dynamic, as he jumps between the past and present, but despite the time jumps, he somehow enables the reader to connect with what is being described; he paints such vivid images and scenes. This is apparent when Flynn intertwines memories of his father alongside reflections on contemporary events; this is seen when Flynn is describing the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. His fragmented style mirrors the disjointed nature of memory and trauma; he empathizes with the fact that it can feel jumbled up and confusing. Readers are prompted to put the pieces together themselves, just like Flynn does. As we follow along with Flynn’s journey, the reader is actively trying to make sense of his experiences while simultaneously evaluating their own.

         Flynn’s vivid imagery adds depth to his narrative and is a deliberate choice. When describing his father’s face, he writes that it is “the only one like it on earth”. This may seem like a simple statement, however, when the reader more closely examines this, the uniqueness of the father-son relationship can begin to be understood. In attempting to describe this complex relationship, we also see familial dysfunction. This imagery works to not only draw the reader into Flynn’s world, but is a rhetorical technique used to convey the intensity of his emotions. Along with the imagery, Flynn uses symbolic elements to enrich the thematic depth of his memoir. Not only seen in the title, but Flynn also uses the motif of a ticking bomb to help grasp the idea of trauma and violence that was occurring. He equates personal struggles with larger societal issues, and this almost persuades readers to reflect on their interconnectedness with themselves and the environment around them.

         The stylistic choices and elements incorporated allows Flynn to develop an emotional narrative, but also one that provokes thought. He invites readers to explore and confront uncomfortable truths about their self and the complexities of society; he does this through his structure, symbolism, imagery, and emotional reflections.

         After reading the initial pages of “The Ticking is the Bomb”, I question how Flynn balances the need to tell a compelling story with the responsibility to represent sensitive subjects accurately and respectfully? His emotional honesty and vivid imagery encourages deeper reflection from the reader, and this is an intentional stylistic choice by Flynn. As readers, it seems we are drawn into Flynn’s world, where his personal trauma is constantly intersecting with larger social and societal issues. I am curious to see if the rest of the memoir is presented in the same way and if his style will still carry the same emotional intensity.