Storytelling, a little bit late

What I find most fascinating about the first half of this film, 'Fiction' is how easily it manipulates our feelings. I am inclined at times to pity Vi and Marcus based on how it is shot, and at other times to be disgusted by them. In my opinion not a one of the characters is likable overall, nor do I believe they are intended to be. Each character represents a certain stereotype or the antithesis to one. The sheltered white rich girl from suburbia is looking for her next cause to make her life mean something. The crippled guy being coddled into believing he has ability with overly sappy sentiments. Then there is the narcissistic older black professor standing above all these sheltered ignorant white students toying with them at his leisure. The film has some success in showing us that each of these characters has reasons for their actions, and feelings to coincide. This makes the characters a little more relatable.
The 'rough sex scene' is definitely a raw scene. It is pivotal to manipulating our emotions and honestly sickened me a little. This man holds a position of authority in the classroom, has years of experience and is far more confident in himself then any of those students. This girl is no true victim though. She is not stupid, but is so wrapped up in her idiotic principles that she just goes along with the situation. He stays as clothed as possible, all in black, following his calm drink of what is probably scotch, and proceeds to mentally degrade Vi as he physically dominates her as well. The giant scarlet box only lightens the scene at all because it gets you thinking about the ridiculousness of the censorship in the first place. Mr. Scott does nothing illegal, but I hold it to be unethical and immoral.The Livingston’s represent the very definition of Suburban Jewish stereotypes, their selfless charity work with no real knowledge of its uses, and their using gifts as bribes to get those donations. The young jock so concerned for his image, and the intelligent young brother with his pure vile innocence. The father that worked to get where he is, and the underappreciated Latina maid working even harder coming from a large family with a convict son further this. Scooby represents the born jaded, never worked a day in his life confused teenager.
Just as Vi has the ability to act better, so does Scooby. He makes choices to be as unmotivated and lethargic as he is. To be so lazy and numb as to enter into a sexual relationship with someone of a gender you don't even appear interested in is clearly not healthy. This is moments after he points a gun at this character. The film begins to use Toby as a method of drawing out more from him and his family. Much as Mr. Scott does, Toby thinks himself superior to these people, and exploits them on an even grander scale. Toby exhibits many of the same traits he seems to condemn in Scooby, having no noteworthy accomplishments.
The movie is enjoyable and has its merits. The shifting of perspectives and characterization is used very well. In Fiction the characters are all unlikable, but have their moments that engender sympathy. In Nonfiction the characters develop a little more and give you a more concrete view. The in film documentary helps to show angles of the parents otherwise unseen and a clearer understanding of the reason for exploitation. The two halves work quite well together in exploring stereotypes and exploitation.

Sidenote: On IMDB.com when you look up Storytelling, the first recomended movie is Freeway.