Photo via AFI Docs
I saw The Act of Killing at AFI Docs in Washington, D.C. last weekend. I can’t get it out of my mind. It’s hard to find the words for it. I just … I don’t even … you just have to see it to understand.
Here’s the description from AFI Docs:
One of the most haunting, disturbing and unforgettable documentaries you will ever see, this unique film takes the viewer inside the complex psychology of Indonesian death squad leaders. Offering the killers an opportunity to re-enact scenes of their brutal crimes of genocide in front of the camera, the filmmakers boldly capture not only the men’s boastful pride as they describe their terrifying deeds, but also the slow realization of the full scope of the brutal crimes. – AP
Long story short, Indonesian gangsters spend time bragging about how they brutally murdered people in the 1960s — often for reasons so “simple” as someone being Chinese. Along the way, we get a glimpse beyond the bragging and what all of this has meant to one particular killer. Am I supposed to feel sorry for him? It feels like a big mess of psychological trouble for all of these folks.
It was a film that will stay with me for a very long time. I recommend it if you’ve got an interest in war, history, and non-traditional documentary film. This definitely doesn’t follow the talking heads doc format. It’s most fascinating. (PS: Werner Herzog and Errol Morris are EPs. Very cool.)
Relevant links:
- The Act of Killing website
- The Act of Killing trailer
- twitter: @TheActofKilling
- twitter: @JoshuaOppenheim
- IMDB page