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I watched The Act Of Killing a couple of years ago along with the rest of the cinephile world. Although I respected it a great deal and could appreciate Oppenheimer's work, it did not grab me on the emotional level that it seemed to so many others. That could be my fault, and I will return to it someday, but in the mean time The Look Of Silence did grab me on that level in every way. It has only been a few hours since I watched it but I think I already consider it the most harrowing film I have ever seen. I think the difference of significance for me is the point of view of the film. This time the point of view is entirely from the brother, Adi, of one of the victims. We sit with Adi as he watches the footage that Oppenheimer has shot of the men who killed his brother. As in the first film they are doing some recreation and seem oblivious to the impact of the genocide they have committed.
Not only do we see Adi watching this footage but we get to go on a journey with him. A journey that very few victims get the opportunity to go on. He gets the opportunity to confront many of the perpetrators of the horrible genocide that took place, and specifically men and family members who were directly responsible for his brother's death. It has to be pointed out that much of the emotional punch in this film comes from the fact that Adi appears to be one of the most humble and forgiving men you will ever see. He never shows anger although we can see the hurt all over his face. He does ask pointed questions when the perpetrators waffle, which they always do, down to a person. It is infinitely frustrating to see these men brag about ridding their country of communism only to then deny culpability once they find out who Adi is.
This isn't just unique to the perpetrators either. The family members also stick up for these men. Sometimes making excuses for them and sometimes outright denying they even knew about the killings. We also see some of them turn on Oppenheimer, which is quite a shift from The Act Of Killing. All along the journey Adi seems to simply want answers that he will never receive. One of the most heart wrenching moments is when he finds out his uncle was a guard for the men that were captured, including Adi's brother. He brings this information to his mother, who had no idea.
Adi's parents are also a significant part of the film. His father is 104 but thinks he is 16. He is unable to care for himself and is being taken care of mostly by Adi's mother. She is quick witted and brings some joy to the screen. When she learns what Adi is doing, she fears for his life. Afraid that if those in power know his intentions that he will meet the same fate as his brother. All these scenes cut me deeply. Each one bringing a weight and emotional impact I was not prepared for.
I won't say I love this film because I think that is doing the impact it has an injustice. I think this is an amazing feat in documentary film making. Oppenheimer's vision was incredible and I am pleased he has brought this story to us in this form. It makes me very excited to see what he has in store next
I watched The Act Of Killing a couple of years ago along with the rest of the cinephile world. Although I respected it a great deal and could appreciate Oppenheimer's work, it did not grab me on the emotional level that it seemed to so many others. That could be my fault, and I will return to it someday, but in the mean time The Look Of Silence did grab me on that level in every way. It has only been a few hours since I watched it but I think I already consider it the most harrowing film I have ever seen. I think the difference of significance for me is the point of view of the film. This time the point of view is entirely from the brother, Adi, of one of the victims. We sit with Adi as he watches the footage that Oppenheimer has shot of the men who killed his brother. As in the first film they are doing some recreation and seem oblivious to the impact of the genocide they have committed.
Not only do we see Adi watching this footage but we get to go on a journey with him. A journey that very few victims get the opportunity to go on. He gets the opportunity to confront many of the perpetrators of the horrible genocide that took place, and specifically men and family members who were directly responsible for his brother's death. It has to be pointed out that much of the emotional punch in this film comes from the fact that Adi appears to be one of the most humble and forgiving men you will ever see. He never shows anger although we can see the hurt all over his face. He does ask pointed questions when the perpetrators waffle, which they always do, down to a person. It is infinitely frustrating to see these men brag about ridding their country of communism only to then deny culpability once they find out who Adi is.
This isn't just unique to the perpetrators either. The family members also stick up for these men. Sometimes making excuses for them and sometimes outright denying they even knew about the killings. We also see some of them turn on Oppenheimer, which is quite a shift from The Act Of Killing. All along the journey Adi seems to simply want answers that he will never receive. One of the most heart wrenching moments is when he finds out his uncle was a guard for the men that were captured, including Adi's brother. He brings this information to his mother, who had no idea.
Adi's parents are also a significant part of the film. His father is 104 but thinks he is 16. He is unable to care for himself and is being taken care of mostly by Adi's mother. She is quick witted and brings some joy to the screen. When she learns what Adi is doing, she fears for his life. Afraid that if those in power know his intentions that he will meet the same fate as his brother. All these scenes cut me deeply. Each one bringing a weight and emotional impact I was not prepared for.
I won't say I love this film because I think that is doing the impact it has an injustice. I think this is an amazing feat in documentary film making. Oppenheimer's vision was incredible and I am pleased he has brought this story to us in this form. It makes me very excited to see what he has in store next