Attitude Quote by Haskell Wexler
“I think that the whole voyeuristic attitude of filmmakers or of me personally - of shooting documentaries and so forth - is an important issue. And it was an important issue to me, personally. And the whole question of when - when do you put the camera down or when do you keep shooting to get the shot. And a number of times in my life I've had that question hit me very hard.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Documentary Filmmaking, Haskell Wexler, 1975
He reflects on the ethical dilemma of when to stop filming and when to keep shooting, highlighting the tension between artistic pursuit and respect for subjects.
In simple terms: Filmmakers must balance capturing truth with respecting people.
Key Takeaway
Consider the impact of your lens on subjects before filming.
Themes
ethics
filmmaking
documentary
responsibility
artistic drive
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- News reporting
- social issue documentaries
- personal vlogs
- war zones
Key Concepts
Observer effect
consent
truth vs. exploitation
Questions to Reflect On
- When does documenting become exploitation?
- How do you decide the right moment to stop filming?
A Different Perspective
The pressure to capture a perfect shot can lead to intrusion or harm.
