Worryingly constructed
This is a review of the first episode only. Maybe things will change after further episodes.
So far there are some worryingly constructed aspects to this documentary, which are of great concern in terms of credibility and method.
One issue is the seemingly face-value approach to the interview content, especially concerning Dylan and Ronan Farrow. I can't speak to Dylan's memories yet but Ronan's interview poses a problem too, as he recollects Woody's predatory behaviour with absolute conviction, as if it were yesterday, yet he was five years old at the time. Maybe he had an exceptional memory from an early age, but even then, these are distant events, easily coloured by subsequent history. On this subject its worth watching 'Capturing the Friedmans'. An excellent and relevant documentary.
Another issue is the suggestive slow-motion footage of Woody and Dylan in intimate home movie footage underscored by unsettling music. Recontextualised you could easily create a portrait of a great father instead. This is rather irresponsible of the film-makers.
One of the few facts that is stated in the first episode is that Dylan was taken to a therapist before the alleged abuse where she revealed that she had 'a secret'. This secret is not itself revealed, so even in its suggestive context, its meaningless. Perhaps this is setup to be addressed in a later episode, but if not, that is highly speculative film making indeed.
Lastly, so far we are not given any countering opinion or content, there are only a few snippets of Allen's narrated autobiography, and these are not used to counter Mia, Dylan and Ronan's recollections. Only a written statement of denial from Woody is included at the very end.
There are some lovely shots of New York and Mia's house, but the overall glossiness doesn't paper over the apparent partiality to the film makers' approach, and only serves to highlight the lack of factual content. Let's see where this goes...
So far there are some worryingly constructed aspects to this documentary, which are of great concern in terms of credibility and method.
One issue is the seemingly face-value approach to the interview content, especially concerning Dylan and Ronan Farrow. I can't speak to Dylan's memories yet but Ronan's interview poses a problem too, as he recollects Woody's predatory behaviour with absolute conviction, as if it were yesterday, yet he was five years old at the time. Maybe he had an exceptional memory from an early age, but even then, these are distant events, easily coloured by subsequent history. On this subject its worth watching 'Capturing the Friedmans'. An excellent and relevant documentary.
Another issue is the suggestive slow-motion footage of Woody and Dylan in intimate home movie footage underscored by unsettling music. Recontextualised you could easily create a portrait of a great father instead. This is rather irresponsible of the film-makers.
One of the few facts that is stated in the first episode is that Dylan was taken to a therapist before the alleged abuse where she revealed that she had 'a secret'. This secret is not itself revealed, so even in its suggestive context, its meaningless. Perhaps this is setup to be addressed in a later episode, but if not, that is highly speculative film making indeed.
Lastly, so far we are not given any countering opinion or content, there are only a few snippets of Allen's narrated autobiography, and these are not used to counter Mia, Dylan and Ronan's recollections. Only a written statement of denial from Woody is included at the very end.
There are some lovely shots of New York and Mia's house, but the overall glossiness doesn't paper over the apparent partiality to the film makers' approach, and only serves to highlight the lack of factual content. Let's see where this goes...
- debbierufus
- Feb 22, 2021