Monday, September 28, 2009
Hannah Knechtel
I had no idea what this documentary was about, so it was quite a bit of a shock. While the subject was very depressing I enjoyed watching the film as a whole. I like looking into the minds of humans, whether they are completely "normal" or have some kind of issue. It held my attention the whole time, but I left with a sad feeling in my stomach. That was my general take on The Bridge. Anyway, in the film Richard Waters is shown photographing and eventually stepping in to help a potential suicide victim. I honestly couldn't believe it took him that long to take action. I do not think I would have removed myself that far from reality. He acknowledged the fact that he thought something was strange about the girl and her actions, so why would he wait so long to pull her to safety? With that many suicides occuring at this particular location, don't you think you would be more likely to recognize that something is wrong and find a way to help them? I don't think I could just stand by and watch someone climb over the railing. I don't care if I had a camera. I think any person behind the lens needs to realize that what they are filming is real- not just an object you are documenting. I just thought it was strange.
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I commend you for your willingness to help in such a situation, Hannah, and we can only hope that most people would be as willing as you to do so. I think Waters' claims are still powerful -- I don't think he was necessarily trying to absolve himself of responsibility altogether (maybe I'm wrong here), but rather point out an effect (not specific to him) that is important for us to be aware of.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in that the film was still interesting to watch, however sad. It is definitlely interesting to hear what the families of suicide victims had to say about their loved ones and about their experiences, and the one guys who was a survivor. It definitely is a different perspective than say, mine, me being someone who has never been that closely affected by suicide.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with what you said in your post, I too was at a loss while I watched and listened to Waters. After watching the film I was pointed to a story called Bartleby the Scrivener. It's a story by Herman Melville that points out that one may not intervene in such a situation out of fear. Specifically, this fear stems from the observer seeing himself/herself in the place of the person committing suicide. In admitting that someone has a problem, the observer admits to himself/herself that he/she is also on that path, with the rest of humanity; a very frightening thought to consider.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is difficult to watch Waters take so long before he helps the woman to safety. To play devil's advocate here though, some people often have a hard time interjecting themselves in public situations regarding other people because they don't want to seem rude or nosy. Now I agree that Waters should have acted sooner, but it is good he did do something when some one else might have not.
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