Wexler's questions

Medium Cool was a fascinating look on mass media. Haskell Wexler constructed a layered movie. The viewer hasn't a clue as to what is real and what is not. I was unaware of how the movie was shot. When I found that the riots and the convention were not recreated events, it made me step back and look at the movie in a critical way. These scenes had the feel of a news story, the fast paced and action packed shots with close ups; which made me think, is this a comment on the truth that one sees in the news? For instance, the actress who plays the mother is thrown into a violent riot and is asked wander around with real protestors but to remain in character. Without knowing this, the viewer does not know what is going on and takes the scene as complete truth to the story. The same as when one watches the news, you trust the pictures are real and within the context of the story. But one does not know the whole truth unless you investigate. Another question arose from Wexler's weave of truth and fiction is what did the protesters think of this woman in yellow? You have to wonder if she interacted with the reality going around her and if her fictional character's presence was affected someone's step in reality. Wexler's skill in Medium Cool goes beyond a developed story, it's the comment on never ending questioning of the media and what one's role should be in forming and watching.