The intimacy of tape?

Thinking about the films that were screened this week and the last, one major thing stood out (aside from the format) and that is the exhibitionism that was present in many of the videos. All the films that we viewed that were screened from a projector had a movie like quality, whether narrative/experimental or not, but the majority of the videotapes that we viewed weren't displaying colorful images but rather semi-confessional intimate moments (Acconci's desire to wrap himself around 'me' comes to mind right about now). There are a million reasons why they would be like this, different artists have different motives and desires for their work, but I think it is closely tied to the format that they are presented...the videotape. Videotape in itself almost suggests something personal. It doesn't require a projector or a giant screen to be presented on, with its compact design and ease of use almost anyone could lug it around and obtain results. The video-maker can have almost total control over who views it and who doesn't, an unidentifiable and unwanted audience is optional with tape versus a distributed reel. Naturally you'd assume with the invention of the video camera that the tapes would become more intimate, that the product and audience could connect on a greater level and you wouldn't be wrong in thinking that at all after viewing Birthday Suit, If Every Girl Had A Diary, Theme Song...but I am not quite convinced. The foundation of intimacy is truth and the moment one of those filmmakers knowingly placed a video camera in front of them they traded the truth for a performance (whether or not they even planned on sharing the tape with anyone else). Its almost an early incarnation of reality television; the stage is set, the props are in place, the cameras rolling, now all we need are some real people to play the roles. Now I am not saying that they aren't displaying/telling any truth, but that they didn't quite make the distance that they hoped to cross. They came off in my mind as slightly contrived, exhibitionist versus personal. Maybe they were never after 'that' and maybe 'that' can't be reached...in any artistic format. I am not sure how anyone could attain that in these film. Maybe hidden cameras? But then the viewer would feel more of a voyeur than a participant, watching these people in awkward situations...but then again I think that most people would agree that the most personal and intimate moments in life truly are the most awkward of moments. Ultimately though, I think that for any connection to be made it is dependent upon the viewer and not the maker.