Thesis Irma - Conclusion

The determination of "truth" is highly dependant on the interpretation of the public and this judgment is influenced by the rhetorical languages of communication. I would argue that the presenter of the information is very aware of these manipulation techniques, while the receiver is often lost. These methods even spread their seeds within social behaviour online as people communicate in a tactical manner about their life. Communication has become a business model in and of itself, even for the common person -- the more attention one gets, the more profit one can make. And as "bullshit" is generally more entertaining than common sense, this is often the weapon of choice. As an artist, one may consider the language of the medium as a tool. One could analyse the filter bubble of one's target market and inject an artwork or statement into their environment and use the vocabulary that is most attractive for attention. If the public is comfortable with bullshit, one can use the grammar of the bullshitter. A filmmaker has a wide range of rhetorical techniques in her toolbox, compared to a novel writer. The belief that is created using image and sound and the suggestion of reality raises ethical questions and debate within the public. This debate is a valuable achievement of the artist; it is lying for the sake of raising awareness of the truth. For my graduation project, I will present a film in the form of a documentary. By sculpting reality I will introduce an alternative story, a subjective point of view of my main character and our relationship. I consider the friction between fiction and reality a rich and relevant area to explore. My subjective point of view does not need to be true, it needs to tell the story I want to bring across. And if it provokes thought and stimulates discussion, then my post-truth story is accomplished.