The first night ended (20 minutes?) early, and appeared to have some ragged edges from the last minute appeasement edits. Still it gave an ominous chill--particularly for a small-screen viewing.
The Path's story was taught despite the long historical time-line and extensive list of players in the actual events. Political junkies--you could not tell any story this complicated without combining characters and events. The movie would have been over 10 years long.
The lead characters, O'Neill and Kirk (CIA operative) kept me emotionally charged; aptly venting my frustration in their roles. It made the audience's small rewards, catching the bomb maker and arresting the blind sheik, more authentic and satisfying. With terrorists portrayed so personally and tangibly, their ultimate deeds take on a new sense of betrayal--to their religion, to their world.
Some may not prefer the hand-held feel of the camera work. But I felt it gave an jarring look that suited the content; especially when juxtaposed with wide crowd scenes in Kenya, Afghanistan and other distant locales. The world music accents and Islamic prayer calls provided lyrical moments that let the tension ebb for an instant...only to return with throbbing drums and stick-and-move camera viewpoints of a world in disarray.
You may try to call this film a political mudfest, but you shouldn't deny the artistry. And why draw conclusions until you see the handling of Bush's administration? Ultimately I believe many will be rallied to see this for the controversy, but instead will leave with a sobered moment of remembrance and a vivid look at the gaping holes in our national defense.
The Path's story was taught despite the long historical time-line and extensive list of players in the actual events. Political junkies--you could not tell any story this complicated without combining characters and events. The movie would have been over 10 years long.
The lead characters, O'Neill and Kirk (CIA operative) kept me emotionally charged; aptly venting my frustration in their roles. It made the audience's small rewards, catching the bomb maker and arresting the blind sheik, more authentic and satisfying. With terrorists portrayed so personally and tangibly, their ultimate deeds take on a new sense of betrayal--to their religion, to their world.
Some may not prefer the hand-held feel of the camera work. But I felt it gave an jarring look that suited the content; especially when juxtaposed with wide crowd scenes in Kenya, Afghanistan and other distant locales. The world music accents and Islamic prayer calls provided lyrical moments that let the tension ebb for an instant...only to return with throbbing drums and stick-and-move camera viewpoints of a world in disarray.
You may try to call this film a political mudfest, but you shouldn't deny the artistry. And why draw conclusions until you see the handling of Bush's administration? Ultimately I believe many will be rallied to see this for the controversy, but instead will leave with a sobered moment of remembrance and a vivid look at the gaping holes in our national defense.