The great film journal Images recently published my review of The Battle of Algiers. Here's an excerpt:
Director Gillo Pontecorvo crafted a film of rare authenticity. Shooting in high-contrast black and white and working almost entirely with non-actors (including some actual members of the FLN, the Algerian resistance group), The Battle of Algiers is unique among all political and war films. And it's limited theatrical re-release and subsequent DVD release this year couldn't be more timely.
The film, about the Algerian fight against French occupation in the 1950s, has been studied by resistance groups around the world and was even screened recently at the Pentagon. Regardless of one's politics, there is no disputing that this is a powerful film. Few films can match the verisimilitude Pontecorvo captured with this film. It plays more like a historical document than just about any other narrative film I can't think of.
| :: posted by Donald Melanson, 12/22/2004 | Comments (39) Links to this post |
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Ebert's Top 10
Roger Ebert has published his top ten list for the year. Clint Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby comes out on top, with Kill Bill Vol. 2 in second place. Read the full list here.
| :: posted by Donald Melanson, 12/21/2004 | Comments (0) Links to this post |
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