Pictures for Memory

In both films, Hiroshima mon Amor and Last Year in Marienbad, we see the director use almost photographic clips to portray memory and when he does this allows the audience to question whether or not the memories are in fact real. This type of cinematography allows the audience to question what is being shown and the authenticity of what they see. Since the director does this, he gives a lot of control and power to the audience to decide or create their own understanding. Most directors seem to use film to make the audience think a certain way, but he allows the audience freedom in understanding what is taking place in the film. With this in mind, is the director truly giving freedom to the audience to create their own conclusions or is he giving the audience a false sense of control? How do you think this plays into what the director wants? And is the sense of control actually more of a puppetiering act by the director and we just aren't aware of it?