Screamers (2006)

User Rating:

5.2/10   

Director:

Carla Garapedian

Release Date:

19 July 2007 (Lebanon)

Genre:

Documentary | Music

Plot:

Internationally known director Carla Garapedian follows the rock band System of a Down as they tour Europe and the US pointing out the horrors of modern genocide that began in Armenia in 1915 up though Darfur today. |

Plot Keywords:

Band | Genocide | System Of A Down | Darfur | Rockumentary

Awards:

3 wins

Cast

Hrant Dink	...	Himself
John Dolmayan	...	Himself
Sibel Edmonds	...	Herself
Daron Malakian	...	Himself
Shavo Odadjian	...	Himself
Serj Tankian	...	Himself

MPAA:

Rated R for disturbing images of genocide and language.

Runtime:

UK:89 min | USA:91 min

Country:

UK

Language:

Armenian | English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:R

Filming Locations:

Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Soundtrack:

China Girl

A documentary that hits the right notes

In short, the film is a band documentary a la Scorsese's "The Last Waltz" except it is geared towards a specific subject matter with snippets of their touring.

The concept of the film is unique in its nature. Incorporating concert footage that is relevant to the relative sequence (preceding or following) and maintaining its theme in bringing to light the politics behind the Armenian Genocide, "Screamers" consistently delivers. There is just the right amount of concert footage to keep System of a Down fans happy and just enough political characteristics to keep the moviegoers interested, with some added entertaining shots of fans that allows the ill-natured topics to be given a rest every once in a while.

The beauty of the film lies in the fact that it provides feedback for the reasoning behind why Armenians still fight for recognition after 90 years. Discussing several modern genocides of the 20th and 21th Century (including the ongoing tragedy in Darfur), "Screamers" is able to relate the Armenian Genocide and its denial to contemporary accounts of why some may still think that they can get away with such atrocities.

Some critiques of the film may come from politically motivated viewers, having not seen the film (as the currently ridiculous rating of 2.1/10 suggests). I am reviewing the film in a partial manner, regardless of my Armenian heritage and my views on the subject. As a film, "Screamers" is well worth your time, regardless of your political views. Whether you are Turkish, Armenian, or any ethnicity for that matter, please, watch the film before you judge it or review it.

Combining music, politics, humor, and drama, this documentary will keep you entertained, provoke your thoughts on contemporary tragedies, and possibly, influence you to become a "Screamer" rather than live in your own little world, silently watching a tragedy unfold.