Chapter 10 in the book, Film Art: An Introduction, touches on the notion that factuality in documentaries is often challenged by the subjective choices made by filmmakers, the potential for bias, and the complex interplay between storytelling and truth. A documentary that came to mind when reading about this was Beyoncé: Homecoming, where it can be argued that the line between objective reality and storytelling becomes blurred.

Beyoncé: Homecoming is a concert documentary film that provides a look at the behind-the-scenes preparations for Beyoncé’s iconic 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival performance. While the film is primarily a celebration of Beyoncé’s artistry and cultural impact, it also challenges the idea of factuality in documentaries.

The documentary is inherently subjective as it is crafted by Beyoncé herself. This means that the narrative is shaped according to her perspective and desired image. The film might not include certain aspects of the preparation process or backstage dynamics that could present a less glamorous or more complex picture. This selectivity raises questions about how much of the “truth” is being presented and what elements are deliberately omitted.

Beyoncé: Homecoming quite literally blurs the line between performance and reality. The film combines footage from the Coachella performance with scenes from rehearsals, giving viewers a glimpse of the meticulous planning and hard work that went into the show. However, this combination also raises questions about the authenticity of what is being presented. Is the rehearsal footage a genuine behind-the-scenes look, or is it part of the carefully curated narrative to enhance the documentary’s emotional impact?

The documentary provides access to certain aspects of Beyoncé’s life but maintains a level of control over what is revealed. Viewers see her interactions with the team, family moments, and personal reflections. However, the extent to which this access is truly unfiltered or carefully curated remains unknown. Beyoncé, as a public figure, is invested in managing her image, and the documentary serves as a platform for that image construction.