I first became aware of this excellent documentary on Jacques Vergés while reading an article in British GQ not long after the famously flamboyant - and controversial - lawyer's death.
Vergés led a life like no other, gaining fame (infamy, some would say) by representing and associating with some of the most reviled figures of the Twentieth Century. Pol Pot, Klaus Barbie and Carlos 'the Jackal' are but a few of the names discussed in the course of this extraordinary work by one of the most talented film makers of his generation; Barbet Schroeder.
Schroeder's genius in this instance is to construct such an intricate and absorbing jigsaw puzzle of a film, ensuring the constant interaction of the viewer through deep thought and the inevitable questioning of Vergés' motives behind his choice to represent men like Slobodan Milosevic and Barbie - a Nazi war criminal dubbed 'The Butcher of Lyon', so heinous were his crimes in France during the occupation.
The conclusions drawn by Schroeder - sensibly presented as his own opinions in the superb interview included here as an extra - are so thought provoking, and so current, as to make one question a great many things as a result; both past and present.
The running time of just over two hours is generous, and what one ultimately looks for in something this engrossing, and the soundtrack keeps the proceedings trotting along at the perfect pace.
Incredible filmmaking by one of the true masters of the genre.
Bravo.
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Vaughn K Munn
A great DVD/movie at a great price
Recensito negli Stati Uniti il 6 agosto 2015