Drama/Documentary

Exploring the differences and similarities of documentaries that utilize dramatized parts (reenactments, primarily) versus dramas that utilize documentary-style research/footage, the author suggests that there is a need to distinguish them from one another for audience understanding and clarity. The audience needs to know if what they are watching is "real" or "fake" and can have reactions other than what the filmaker intended if they are not give this information upfront (No Lies).
Movies are powerful, and can have the power to re-energize or even re-write popular versions of history (as Linda Williams writes in “Mirrors Without Memories”). If that is true (and I do agree with her) then the question of historical authenticity or of disclosure from the filmmakers becomes quite interesting.
Responsibility and accountability in filmmaking (and in any art in general, really) are constant yet shifting issues. As a maker of art, should you contextualize your work for your audience? (maybe…) As a consumer/critic of art, should you consider its production and historical accuracy? (probably…) I think that the responsibility for making connections beyond the work out into the rest of the world (art world, film world, or whole world) is up to the viewer/consumer, and not the artist. As a maker of media, you should be aware of your context, histories and genres and try to anticipate and understand the implications of your work. What you choose to do about these things is clearly a more personal, singular decision, but reflexive awareness adds clarity, and the ability to discuss and define those choices can only aid in your own understanding of your work.
Having said that, I think that the audience also has a responsibility to be active, and more active than we are typically are asked to be in our consumption of films, art etc., If we are accountable to ourselves and to each other, and discuss the film/art, there is the possibility of understanding something broader or more applicable, its ramifications in our lives, or seeing something in a new way. Through dialogue, any authenticity, history, or lack thereof can be challenged, allowing another story/reality to emerge.