The Battle of Algiers

Cinema so often instructs us what to think. Lighting, score, even camera angles push buttons in our minds, clearly identifying friend and foe. Then we have The Battle of Algiers. This re-released conflict classic is a masterpiece of objectivity in its reporting of the French occupation of Algiers during the 1950s. Rather than weave a tale, director Gillo Pontecorvo simply frames a reality. There is no excoriation, no manipulation of thought. The audience themselves must decide on deeply harrowing questions, a powerful and frightening responsibility. Shot in cold, unflinching monochrome we see every expression of pain, injustice and hatred etched into the faces of both the rebels and their morally wounded French opponents whose 'state terrorism' torture techniques are set against the Algerian bombing of civilian soda shops. Everyone touched by the conflict is irreparably stained. Originally released in 1966, it was made compulsory viewing for Pentagon officials involved in Iraq; obviously they were more interested in their popcorn. [Alan Bett]