JUDGEMENT AT MIDNIGHT

(I no longer remember when this was shown but it was taken from an American Documentary. Does 20/20 ring a bell??)

One usually expects documentaries to be factual and very objective. Yet, like all media, it has a biased point of view. An understanding of these techniques will enable you to become a more critical and knowledgeable viewer.

As you watch the documentary complete the following.

1. Make a note of the times you feel sympathy for the death row prisoner.
2. Which parts of the film give you the impression that he is not dangerous but a family man who has changed?
3. Describe the meetings with the families of the victims. Do you feel for the families? Why or why not ? What are they quoted as saying ? What are they doing each time you see them ? Compare these to the times you meet James ‘ family. What are they like ? What do you see them do ?
4. Find the attempts the producers have made to make the documentary as objective as possible .
5. Note when music or other sound effects are used in the documentary.
6. Note when , in the documentary, you feel that the outcome is going to be bad
7. What is the bias in this film? Do you think bias should be allowed? Why do you feel it could possibly be appropriate to allow bias in a film on the execution of potentially innocent death row prisoners ?