Manufacturing Consent- Blog#2

The documentary "Manufacturing Consent", an exploration of Chomsky's Propaganda Model, conveys his message via various visual techniques including music, film clips and the dramatic setting of contrasting view points. In implementing these crucial tools, the directors are able to not only grab the audience's attention, but also to effectively illustrate Chomsky's main argument.

Music throughout the documentary adds greatly to the drama and gravity of Chomsky's belief and insistence on the American government's mass control of the population through propaganda. Transitions between clips and interviews are signaled and smoothed out by the introduction of striking musical clips. Each of Chomsky's points is emphasized by the heightened volume and intensity of the background music. The viewer is thus easily signaled to pay more attention to the following points. In discussing the dilution of America's history of atrocities, ominous music plays in addition to flashes of incriminating photos. In particular, the images of Vietnam and the genocide in Cambodia solidly underline and reinforce this point.

The use of film clips is perhaps the most successful technique in regards to expressing Chomsky's exploration of the media and the government's continued control and influence over the general public. Chomsky's claims of the government's cover-up and smoothing over of unfavorable events are highlighted in the interview clips. His direct point is made and no second hand retelling of his opinion is necessary. By including actual footage of Chomsky's interviews and accusations, especially those accompanying the previously discussed photos, the director completely and succinctly expresses Chomsky's distain for the American government and the population's continued dismissal of truth. He claims that despite many people's awareness of the hood placed over their eyes and the intense censorship of the media, they persist in believing the information presented to them. He states that this blind trust, though at times limited, is due to a general laziness and lack of drive to expose the real truth.

The director's key implementation of opposing viewpoints not only provides evidence of Chomsky's model ( including the public's blind following of government), but also proves the validity of his statements. He is able to reverse each argument, especially that of a young man who disputes the suppression of free speech. Chomsky counteracts his insistence at total free speech by demonstrating the very censorship which limits the young man to a pre-screened question. Even within Chomsky's conference, those who ask questions of him are screened and limited. Thus, each aspect of every factor of society is proven to be limited .

In conclusion, the visual effects and tools used by the directors in the making of the documentary heighten and strengthen Chomsky's theories of governmental control and the corresponding propaganda which monitors, controls, and influences the American people.