The director of The Battle of Algiers died on Thursday.
Gillo’s masterpiece has grown more popular now because of 9/11. I read so many recommendations that I felt it was a must-see. Rumor has it the Pentagon initiated screening the movie to generals and staff because they felt was an eye-opener regarding terrorism.
While I don’t agree fully (equating a liberation movement against a colonial power with other forms of terrorism), the movie definitely delivers with its realistic, documentary style. Then again, Gillo was a documentary filmmaker first and foremost.
It pays to bet on your strengths (it was the only black and white movie in 1965!) rather than imitate what’s hot. RIP Gillo.
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