| A documentary from director Errol Morris (“The Fog of War”) that takes an analytical approach to the photographs taken by American soldiers inside the Abu Ghraib prison. It narrows the focus of the disturbing subject matter previously covered in the Academy Award-winning “Taxi to the Dark Side.”
It is often said that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” This movie looks at what the visual evidence doesn’t show by going outside the frame.
Insightful interviews of the people taking the pictures and those in the photos add a layer of understanding.
This story of moral ambiguity changed America’s perception of the war in Iraq. The movie doesn’t hide the disgusting and degrading treatment of the detainees. It makes the military police and the prison guards look bad. After being bombarded with this material, a feeling of revulsion sweeps over you and your brain will want to shut off.
The movie documents the evil that human beings are capable of in wartime. It differentiates between “just following orders” and aberrant deviant behavior.
Seven soldiers were labeled as “bad apples” and punished for their crimes with jail sentences. The movie seems to indicate further investigation is required since no burden of responsibility was placed upon those higher up the chain of command.
The movie contains disturbing images, torture re-enactments, graphic male nudity and profane language. A haunting musical score written by Danny Elfman provides a somber and reflective atmosphere.
The main value in revisiting these horrible atrocities and mistreatment of prisoners is to hold our military intelligence accountable so that it never happens again.
Opening this weekend exclusively at the Tivoli.
Review By:
Keith Cohen, The Movie Guy
 |
