The Music of the Bush Era
May. 13,2017
Explores the role of music in the Iraq War, particularly the U.S. government's use of music as a tool of propaganda. Using a variety of news footage, as well as archival footage shot by Abass’ sister, a cellist in the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra, the film demonstrates how in 2003, the US administration, engaged in a gesture of propagandist spectacle. Instead of supporting the orchestra in reestablishing itself after the war, the U.S. saw it more beneficial to militarily airlift the musicians to Washington so they could perform one evening at the Kennedy Centre before President Bush, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice and other top ranking politicians. Presented at the Iraqi Pavilion at the 57th Venice Biennale.
Reviews
Blistering performances.
Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.
what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
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