16 Award-Winning Documentaries from the ’80s That Would Face Criticism for Misleading Information Today
Documentaries show us the world’s ground realities. The 1980s produced many hit documentaries, leaving an indelible mark on people’s hearts. However, not all of them were 100% truthful. Today, we’ll be looking at 16 Award-winning documentaries that might face criticism for misleading viewers.
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The Thin Blue Line
Made by Errol Morris in 1988, ‘The Thin Blue Line’ explores the story of a man who was wrongfully convicted of murder named ‘Randall Dale Adams and his investigation process, which led to his exoneration. The film was praised for bringing light to the influence of legal outcomes on real life. However, some have argued that it blurred the line between reality and drama by selective presentation of evidence and dramatic re-enactments. And the reasons put questions on the documentary for its potential to manipulate perceptions.
Shoah
Released in 1985 by Claude Lanzmann, ‘Shoah’ was a nine-hour documentary showcasing the results of the Holocaust through interviews with survivors, perpetrators, and bystanders. Despite the appreciation for conducting in-depth personal testimonies, some people criticized it for excluding archival footage that could provide a clearer view of the incidents. People would have liked it more had it not provided a limited view.
Roger & Me
Based on the economic decline of Flint, Michigan, and the General Motors’ factory closures, ‘Roger & Me’ by Michael Moore was released in 1989. It captivated the audience with its critique presented humorously. However, the documentary was full of factual inaccuracies and misleading edits. Though it was appreciated back then, it’s likely to face criticism today. People argue his manipulation of timelines and events sets a poor example for ethics and morals.
Koyaanisqatsi
The name may be tough to pronounce, but the message the film intended to promote was much more potent. Made by Godfrey Reggio in 1982, ‘Koyaanisqatsi’ presented the impact technology and society had on the environment. While the issue was genuinely appreciable, the lack of narration and explicit context made numerous interpretations depending on the perspective. Today’s viewers might criticize this as it could mislead them about the environmental issues and their complexities.
The Decline of Western Civilization
Penelope Spheeris’s ‘The Decline of Western Civilization’ was released in 1981 and gave inside glimpses of the glittering life of Los Angeles. The movie captured the nightlife quite too realistically and soon enough received criticism for promoting substance abuse and violence. Viewers believe that it reinforced stereotypes about punk culture and perpetuated negative behavior.
For All Mankind
A space exploration documentary named ‘For All Mankind’ by Al Reinert was released in 1989, giving viewers a holistic view of space with the help of NASA’s footage of Apollo Missions. Its visual impact was meticulous, but it still invited some backlash due to the confusion it created by mixing footage of different space missions. They believe it lacks factual precision and should have been more perfectly executed.
Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam
This documentary, released in 1987, used letters written by American soldiers during the Vietnam War. At that time, people liked it because it moved them. However, in today’s time, people might scrutinize it for only presenting the American view, which could lead to a one-sided narrative. It should have a balanced view that includes the Vietnamese perspective.
The Times of Harvey Milk
The documentary was released in 1984 by Rob Epstein. This documentary revolved around the assassination of Harvey Milk, who was the first openly gay elected official in California. The film depicted emotional depth and glimpses of the lifestyles of the LGBTQ+ Community. However, people might criticize it for not focusing on Harvey Milk as a politician, where he took major steps. They believe that the film only showed the lives of the community and that it overlooked his political career.
The Atomic Café
Recall the Cold War? Well, ‘The Atomic Cafe,’ released in 1982, was a satirical documentary that used archival footage to showcase and criticize strategies of the US Government regarding their management of nuclear machinery during the Cold War. However, people at that time found the dark humor engaging. But today, people might criticize it for showing partial footage that only adheres to their selective narratives. They argue that such practices can mislead viewers about history and manipulate their perception of nuclear weapons.
Stop Making Sense
‘Stop Making Sense,’ made by Jonathan Demme, was released in 1984 and featured the Talking Heads. The concert film attracted viewers through its captivating visuals and music direction. However, viewers today criticize it for not overlooking information about the band and their music and prioritizing performance aesthetics.
Burden of Dreams
Created by Les Blank in 1982, this captured Werner Herzog’s film ‘Fitzcarraldo’ production. It provided viewers with a glimpse of what goes on behind the making of the film and received appreciation for it. However, people criticized it for portraying indigenous people and the ethical issues regarding Herzog’s demands on local communities. People believe it overlooked the exploitative behavior and focused more on the director’s perspective.
Streetwise
Illegal immigration and homelessness are two significant challenges that American society faces. ‘Streetwise’, Directed by Martin Bell in 1984, depicted the unflinching portrayal of them. A photojournalist named ‘Mary Ellen’ helped the time throughout the process and captured the reality young teenagers had to face. It had an empathetic approach, allowing sufferers to convey their experiences and feelings truthfully. However, some critics might argue that it sensationalized the harsh realities of life on the streets while making a point that it focused on individual suffering rather than the core issue.
Sherman’s March
As guessed by its name, Sherman’s March, released in 1986 by Ross McElwee, was curated to explore the infamous march of General Sherman he took through the South during the Civil War. It explores South America and how everyone was impacted during the time as it blends history and humor well. Yet, it might receive criticism for its indirect structure and lack of clear focus.
Seeing Red
The American Communist Party has played a significant role in shaping America into how it is today, and ‘Seeing Red’ by Jim Klein and Julia Reichert in 1983 explored the whole journey, from their rise to their fall. A nuanced portrayal of political activism and ideological fervor earned it appraisal from the audience back then; however, people today might criticize it for the sympathetic treatment of communism and leftist movements controversies.
When the Mountains Tremble
Directed by Pamela Yates, ‘When the Mountains Tremble’ in 1983 showcased the human rights abuses and political turmoil people had to go through in Guatemala during the early 1980s. It depicted the vulnerable state of the Mayan community due to the military dictatorship through powerful accounts and abusive footage. However, today, some people argue that the film focused solely on a biased perspective of the West overlooking the activists residing in Guatemala.
The Day After Trinity
Remember the recent movie Oppenheimer? The Day After Trinity, directed by Jon Else in 1981, covered the life and legacy of Physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. Viewers might feel today that the documentary portrayal of Oppenheimer asked for sympathy while overlooking his ethical dilemmas in developing nuclear weapons.
