Timeless Propaganda

Rating: Null/10 (13 March 2003)

Prior to seeing this film on a 20ft screen, the University Lecturer warned us that we would be changed after seeing it. We did not believe him. How could some ancient B&W oldie affect us, the hardened FX generation? We have seen everything, so nothing as old as this could possibly touch us?
This film should be called 'The Birth of Racism'. A story about a moment in America's history when North & South battled it out to free/oppress slaves. BUT... from the viewpoint of why Blacks are inferior & should always be treated as subnormal! A time when the Ku Klux Klan were the superheroes! This film was designed at all levels of sensory attuning to propagate a specific view of Blacks as bad. It is the only film in history to be able to effect this with such emotiveness (the music makes you feel against your will) that the audience is left gasping for the truth (which is never revealed). This film's xenophobia is spellbinding. Morally the audience is screaming "No!", but inside the film, it's purist skill claims the unconscious like a Succubus.
The University Lecturer was right, we were profoundly effected or in some cases damaged by this film. We presumed he had the antidote, but he didn't, he was just there to prove a point - good film making = a viewer changed for ever. It may be a brilliant piece of film making, but if it causes damaged minds, is it worth it?
I do not recommend this film to anyone. This film is far nastier than anything made today.
Only see this film if you know that you are unaffected by visual & audio prompts and are prepared to keep the sound/music turned off! Only see this film if you have to. It is too clever a film for it's own good. Do NOT see this film and NEVER show it to children.