As I mentioned in my last diary entry, given that reality often fails to provide material with all of the Aristotelian unities in place, doc filmmakers sometimes struggle to determine when to stop shooting and end their films. While a documentary about, say, the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas or even a labor strike would come with an obvious ending built into the structure of the events (the last hand of poker, the approval of a new labor contract/closure of the plant), other docs are less fortunate. How did Steve James know when "Hoop Dreams" was over? How did Chris Smith decide on the ending of "American Movie"? How did Errol Morris know when he had shot the last scene for "Vernon, Florida"? I would guess some combination of experimentation in the editing room, intuition and the need to finish led these great doc directors to end their films when they did.

"MacArthur Park" is one of those docs that doesn't have its ending spelled out from the start in neon letters. The film follows the efforts of the grassroots group Citizens for Truth as it seeks the truth behind the Bill Gates assassination. Obviously, this is a goal that isn't likely to be reached in some single, climactic, camera-ready event -- no Greek god in a chariot is going to ride in from the sky to hand Citizens for Truth the real story behind the assassination. In fact, the very mission statement of Citizens for Truth implies that its efforts at research and direct action will be ongoing indefinitely -- no activist organization truly expects to have all of its demands met on one magical day. So how does one end a documentary about a group whose quest is potentially never-ending?

Fortunately for "MacArthur Park," this past weekend provided some moments that even as I was shooting them I realized were going to make for a very likely closing for the film. What happened? Well, I've thought about it and decided I'm not going to reveal all of the details to you, as they might spoil the movie. But I'll tell you just enough to likely frustrate you and make you wish I hadn't mentioned anything at all. While the conference went well for the group -- attendance was at capacity, the lectures were surprisingly stimulating and packed with solid research -- our two cameras were catching some very intriguing behind-the-scenes action. The action got so intense, in fact, that the group kicked our cameras out of a meeting room at one point, in direct violation of my written agreement with CfT giving me access to all meetings in exchange for undertaking the commitment to make this documentary. I'm not disappointed, however, as I was able to get enough to tell the story of what happened, and many CfT members were quite open to being interviewed on the spot. What happened? Well, let me say that after speculating about it in last week's diary, I found out that conference-making is quite a bit like sausage- or law-making after all. I'm interested to see how CfT spins the happenings on their website, which has yet to be updated after the conference.

I'm now busy cutting this section of the film. For those who didn't attend the conference, attached are some still frames from the footage to give you an idea of what went on.

Until next week...

Best,
Brian Flemming
doc@nothingsostrange.com
Brian Flemming's Weblog

Citizens for Truth pulled it off-a three-day conference about the Gates assassination.

It started with a press conference about the hot-off-the-presses Citizens for Truth Report, a collection of research that CfT has been doing for the past year.

Then they opened the doors for the guests. Due partly to some last-minute press from the Weekly and other media, attendance was beyond capacity, which thrilled Citizens for Truth, who, like any nervous hosts, were wondering if anyone was going to come to their party.

In the Exhibit Hall, Citizens for Truth member Juan Canopii (left) shows a guest a rifle of the type used by alleged assassin Alek Hidell (a Mauser 7.65 mm).

David James (right, wearing his trademark white shirt and tie) uses an architectural model to illustrate a point to some members of the press.

In the Lecture Hall, CfT President Debra Meagher takes questions following her opening lecture, "An Introduction to the Assassination Controversies."