To say that Bouzid is tackling a hot-button issue is a gross understatement.
For Western audiences, the film provides a glimpse of Tunisian society that we rarely see. As depicted in the film, it is a society seething with powerful cross-currents and in the grip of an identity crisis. The younger generations have eagerly embraces Western fashion and culture and there is clearly "a little democracy," but religion obviously plays a major role in daily life. Jihadists are viewed as a disgrace to society and to Islam, but an extremely conservative element still rules the day.
The reflexive scenes in the film are difficult to figure out. Clearly, they are intended to assuage audiences, but Bouzid seems to be drawing a parallel between the relationship of mentor to "terrorist in training" and that of a controlling director to a reluctant and skeptical actor. I may be completely misinterpreting this aspect of the film, but if that´s Bouzid´s intention, it doesn´t make much sense. Telling an actor to shut up and say his lines is just common sense, after all. Telling a young man to blow himself up for Allah, not so much.
Video
The film is presented in a 1.78:1 anamorphic transfer. The interlaced transfer is acceptable, but it has becomes increasingly frustrating to see so many studios not willing or able to produce progressive transfers. With high-def as a competitor, it´s becoming more and more important. The transfer looks a little dark overall, but it´s an acceptable effort.
Audio
The DVD is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0. Optional English subtitles support the Arabic audio.
Extras
The DVD has two extras. First, a brief introduction (2 min.) by Peter Scarlet, artistic director for the Tribeca Film Festival. Second, and much more interesting, an interview (14 min) with Bouzid and Abdelli, conducted by Peter Scarlet. The interview was conducted on June 22, 2007 at the Taormina Film Festival in Italy.
Film Value
"Terrorists aren´t born. They´re made." That´s the tag line for "Making of" (AKA "Making of, the last film"), and it neatly summarizes the narrative. It´s quite chilling, even if not entirely convincing, to see the way Bahta´s mentor pounces on the young man´s weakness, and knows exactly what kind of rhetoric will appeal to his insecurities. It´s clear that he´s done this before… many times. And will continue to do so for quite some time.
The film was a hit at Tribeca in 2007, winning for Best Screenplay and Best Actor.
The reflexive scenes in the film are difficult to figure out. Clearly, they are intended to assuage audiences, but Bouzid seems to be drawing a parallel between the relationship of mentor to "terrorist in training" and that of a controlling director to a reluctant and skeptical actor. I may be completely misinterpreting this aspect of the film, but if that´s Bouzid´s intention, it doesn´t make much sense. Telling an actor to shut up and say his lines is just common sense, after all. Telling a young man to blow himself up for Allah, not so much.
Video
The film is presented in a 1.78:1 anamorphic transfer. The interlaced transfer is acceptable, but it has becomes increasingly frustrating to see so many studios not willing or able to produce progressive transfers. With high-def as a competitor, it´s becoming more and more important. The transfer looks a little dark overall, but it´s an acceptable effort.
Audio
The DVD is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0. Optional English subtitles support the Arabic audio.
Extras
The DVD has two extras. First, a brief introduction (2 min.) by Peter Scarlet, artistic director for the Tribeca Film Festival. Second, and much more interesting, an interview (14 min) with Bouzid and Abdelli, conducted by Peter Scarlet. The interview was conducted on June 22, 2007 at the Taormina Film Festival in Italy.
Film Value
"Terrorists aren´t born. They´re made." That´s the tag line for "Making of" (AKA "Making of, the last film"), and it neatly summarizes the narrative. It´s quite chilling, even if not entirely convincing, to see the way Bahta´s mentor pounces on the young man´s weakness, and knows exactly what kind of rhetoric will appeal to his insecurities. It´s clear that he´s done this before… many times. And will continue to do so for quite some time.
The film was a hit at Tribeca in 2007, winning for Best Screenplay and Best Actor.
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[release]24317[/release]