The first thing that came to mind was, what exactly is director Joshua Oppenheimer trying to "investigate" about genocide and defense mechanisms, that viewers familiar with the definition of genocide and defense mechanisms don't already know? That the act of killing is vile, that some extremists are unrepentant sociopaths while others are now regretful, or that the corrupt and evil are still in power in Indonesia today?
Twenty minutes in I could almost see this amateur shock doc running out of steam before relaxing back to the standard formula of trying to supply more jolts, shock and contempt towards Anwar the straw character per minute with each pointed question being asked behind the camera. In one particular re-enactment of the massacre staged in a burning forest as well, choice of composition technique abruptly switches from realistic vérité to subjective theatrics. With that done and repeatedly done, the fact that this "documentary" claims to have brought the truth is a little dishonest. Then again, maybe they were being practical. Why risk it by interviewing genocide victims (illegal in Indonesia) or analysing the implications and effects of this historical event, when simply portraying pompous caricatures of the Pancasila as pompous caricatures of the Pancasila will do?
C-grade shenanigan earning more praise and attention than it deserves meh.
cinemainterruptus.wordpress.com
Twenty minutes in I could almost see this amateur shock doc running out of steam before relaxing back to the standard formula of trying to supply more jolts, shock and contempt towards Anwar the straw character per minute with each pointed question being asked behind the camera. In one particular re-enactment of the massacre staged in a burning forest as well, choice of composition technique abruptly switches from realistic vérité to subjective theatrics. With that done and repeatedly done, the fact that this "documentary" claims to have brought the truth is a little dishonest. Then again, maybe they were being practical. Why risk it by interviewing genocide victims (illegal in Indonesia) or analysing the implications and effects of this historical event, when simply portraying pompous caricatures of the Pancasila as pompous caricatures of the Pancasila will do?
C-grade shenanigan earning more praise and attention than it deserves meh.
cinemainterruptus.wordpress.com