Algerian Produced Anti-Propaganda

Rating: Null/10 (13 June 2011)

Although La battaglia di Algeri was produced by an Algerian, Gillo Pontocorvo managed to make a film that is surprisingly un-biased. Both Algerians and the French are responsible in the escalating casualties throughout the film. The film avoids pointing fingers in a "he-did-it-first" style (although "she" is just as guilty). By avoiding a film with blame, neither of the sides actions are seen as justified. In true Italian Neo-Realism style, he used non-actors, shot on location, and gave the impression that large amounts of the film are taken from archival footage. The combination of this style along with a view detached from bias help make this film more than about France's imperialism and the FLN's terrorism. By escaping the individualistic events, La battaglia di Algeri can demonstrate easier that both sides committed their own atrocities. Each side had its own ideology and adamantly believed that they were doing what was in the best interest. By becoming blinded by their ambition, they were able to kill large groups of innocent people. Col. Mathieu is the only person who can openly admit how horrible he acts. Jean Martin, the only actual actor, portrays Col. Mathieu in a surreal, almost metafictional style. His talented acting harshly contrasts against the rest of the crew giving him an other-worldly presence. Every time Col. Mathieu talks, it seems that he is not so much a part of the action as much as he is breaking the fourth wall and talking to the audience directly. Despite the moral code that Col. Mathieu reinforces into the audience, the film feels very much like a textbook on the issue of imperialism and revolutions within their former colonies. Taken out of the context of the Algerian War, this film helps demonstrate the issues and conflicts that can and have arise on either side post-imperialism. Representations of similar conflicts can be found now and throughout the past century and long before.