We have an interesting point of discussion this morning. it appears Errol Morris paid some of his interview subjects for work in his upcoming film Standard Operating Procedure. We get wind of this story thanks to the professionals at Variety:
Errol Morris, the Oscar-winning filmmaker whose latest documentary, “Standard Operating Procedure,” examines the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal, is being pressed about a procedure of his own: paying interview subjects.
Mr. Morris said this week that some of the lower-ranking soldiers who were convicted of tormenting inmates at Abu Ghraib in Iraq were paid for their time, in which they recount events at the prison in detail and describe a wayward environment that led to the excesses.
Errol Morris is an outstanding documentary filmmaker and has a library of fantastic work behind him. His first film out of the gate was a look into the Pet Cemetary business called Gates Of Heaven. If you haven’t seen it – you certainly should. Few people do as well as Errol with their first attempt – but this man found his lot in life; and hit the road running.
The Abu Ghraib scandal is a stain that will forever be in the history books. The disrespect paid to the prisoners was so great, that death would have been a more fair treatment. Errol Morris is a man that will dig into the situation and illuminate it for all of us; this documentary one to watch out for.
I personally have no real problem with Errol paying the people he interviews. Most involved wouldn’t spill their guts about what they did to the prisoners. There is international condemnation and horror regarding the events – these soldiers want to fade into the night, and certainly have no desire to share their story. In order to pull the information out of them, money is a necessary evil. Without payola – this film may not have been possible.
I ask you international friends – does the fact that Errol Morris paid some of the interviewees bother you? Do you think the message of the film will be tainted by the cash, because people are talking for pay?
