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As a film critic with a deep interest in political and social commentary, I have had the privilege of watching and analyzing many films that tackle important issues. Among them, there are some that truly stand out for their audacity, relevance, and impact. Two such films are “No” and “Syriana,” which I had the pleasure of seeing years ago and still think about often.
Established in 2004, Participant Media, a production company recognized for tackling sociopolitical issues, left a significant mark on the film industry that usually saves its intensity for superhero movies. When it was announced in April that Participant was shutting down, there was widespread disappointment among those who appreciate thought-provoking films. Not all of their productions were successful or created by renowned directors. However, many of their movies serve as important records of their respective eras. As Participant’s last film, “The Grab,” hits theaters this week, The Times’ film team has curated our top 12 picks.
‘Charlie Wilson’s War’
Mike Nichols’ final film, “Charlie Wilson’s War” released in 2007, offers a humorous look into the inner workings of government power while delivering a thought-provoking message about the unforeseen repercussions of American involvement in global conflicts. Tom Hanks portrays a charming and self-assured Texas congressman with an uncanny ability to navigate bipartisan politics. Caught up in unexpected circumstances, he works to increase funding for a covert war against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan. Julia Roberts adds energy as a conservative activist and socialite, but it’s Philip Seymour Hoffman who shines as a bold, sarcastic CIA officer. Aaron Sorkin penned the screenplay, and while the political stance may be unclear at times, it’s hard to imagine this film emerging from a major studio today (now streaming on Max).
‘Contagion’
As a movie buff, I can’t forget Steven Soderbergh’s “Contagion” from over 10 years ago that left a deep impression on me. It masterfully blended family drama, medical intrigue, and political suspense, all set to Cliff Martinez’s pulsating electronic music score. The film covered so much ground, conveying the magnitude of the crisis it portrayed without becoming preachy.
‘David Byrne’s American Utopia’
You remember the pandemic? Social distancing? Sanitizing groceries? Zoom birthday parties? Ugh. And here comes “David Byrne’s American Utopia,” the Spike Lee-directed film version of Byrne’s jubilant 2019 Broadway show, and it feels like a jolt to the prevailing same-as-it-ever-was monotony. It’s an invitation to connect, change and maybe even venture out of your house and ride a bicycle, as Byrne does through the streets of New York City during the closing credits. This movie was a lifesaver. It felt like we were on the road to nowhere, but here was an exit sign pointing toward hope and community, feet on the ground, head in the sky. (Max) — Glenn Whipp
‘Descendant’
In simpler terms, Margaret Brown’s 2022 documentary titled “Descendant” explores the lasting impact of historical events on present-day society through the story of the Clotilda, the last known ship to bring enslaved Africans to America in 1860. The film delves into the experiences of the descendants of those aboard the Clotilda and unravels a complex and emotional tale. As a native of Mobile, Brown carefully shares the journey of finding the ship and dealing with its aftermath. “Descendant” is an enlightening guide on how to acknowledge past mistakes and move forward. With its sensitive approach to challenging topics, this documentary exemplifies Participant’s commitment to socially conscious content. (Netflix) – Mark Olsen.
‘Flee’
As an avid film lover, I’m always on the lookout for exceptional productions that leave a lasting impression. And let me tell you, “Flee” is one such film that truly stands out. This animated documentary has made history by becoming the first ever to be nominated for International Feature Film, Animated Feature, and Documentary Feature at the prestigious Academy Awards.
‘An Inconvenient Truth’
Before Al Gore’s influential slide show “An Inconvenient Truth” in 2006, global warming was mostly a topic of discussion among scientists and environmental activists. The public generally paid little attention. However, with the release of Davis Guggenheim’s documentary, which combined scientific evidence and Al Gore’s personal story, conversations about climate change shifted dramatically. The film became a critical and commercial success, winning two Oscars and solidifying Participant’s reputation for producing socially relevant films that could shape public opinion (available on Paramount+, Kanopy, and Pluto TV). – Josh Rottenberg
‘Judas and the Black Messiah’
In the cinematic landscape of this decade, which duo has delivered a more impactful performance than Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield in “Judas and the Black Messiah”? I’d be open to hearing arguments against that. In this groundbreaking film by Shaka King, Kaluuya portrays Illinois Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton, a determined activist, while Stanfield takes on the role of FBI informant William O’Neal, who played a pivotal part in Hampton’s demise. With its gripping narrative and scathing critique of the American criminal justice system, “Judas and the Black Messiah” leaves a lasting impression – it’s thought-provoking, enraging, and still shocking that a major Hollywood studio released such a powerful statement. Three years later, we’re eagerly anticipating King’s next project, which was nominated for six Oscars including best picture and acting nods for Kaluuya and Stanfield (with Kaluuya taking home the award for supporting actor). It’s high time for this visionary director to receive the go-ahead for his next masterpiece. (Glenn Whipp)
‘The Look of Silence’
In this revision, I’ve aimed for a more conversational tone while preserving the original meaning:
‘My Name Is Pauli Murray’
I was unfamiliar with Pauli Murray’s name and accomplishments until I watched “My Name Is Pauli Murray” at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. A remarkable figure, Murray was a poet, lawyer, scholar, and civil rights activist who pioneered innovative legal strategies against segregation and discrimination, long before the concepts of intersectionality and gender identity were widely recognized. This film served as a poignant reminder for me that queer and trans history is often overlooked or undocumented. Murray grappled with her gender identity during a time when the vocabulary to describe being trans or nonbinary did not exist. Although our understanding of these identities may be contemporary, it’s essential to remember that queer, trans, and gender-nonconforming individuals have always been pivotal agents of change in our world. (Prime Video) — Tracy Brown
‘No’
As a cinephile, I’m always on the lookout for filmmakers who bring a fresh perspective to politics on the silver screen. Pablo Larraín from Chile is one such director who doesn’t shy away from injecting playful elements into his politically-charged films. I’ve been captivated by his works like “Spencer,” “Jackie,” and even last year’s unique take on Pinochet as a vampire in “El Conde.” Angeline Jolie’s upcoming Maria Callas biopic is also part of Larraín’s impressive repertoire.
‘Spotlight’
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The film “Spotlight” earned both Oscars and critics awards, marking it as the most daring triumph for this production. It represents a risky move, tackling the issue of sexual misconduct in the Catholic Church head-on. In addition to being emotionally moving, the film powerfully highlights the importance of journalistic integrity. The ensemble cast, consisting of Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, John Slattery, and Liev Schreiber, delivers compelling performances as dedicated reporters for the Boston Globe. Comparing “Spotlight” to “All the President’s Men” is an understatement; it’s a movie that can inspire someone to become a journalist at a young age. (Starz) – Joshua Rothkopf [
‘Syriana’
The number of American fiction films dealing with the war on terror and our invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq is extensive, with more misses than hits. Among the successful ones, “Syriana,” released in 2005, stands out as an early contender. Directed by Stephen Gaghan, this ensemble drama serves as a snapshot of that era, featuring a large cast of well-known actors and depicting seemingly unrelated characters clashing. What sets “Syriana” apart from films like “Babel,” which merely showcase chaos, is its focus on the underlying causes. The movie begins with CIA agent Bob Barnes (George Clooney) allowing a rocket to be taken by radicals in Tehran, and then meticulously explores every thread back to its origins: Houston oil executives and their political allies, the deceitful policymakers selling the public on foreign policy, and the economic advisors backing Middle Eastern reform. Nearly 20 years later, “Syriana” remains a powerful critique of our role in instigating this conflict from Hollywood. The phrase “Corruption is why we succeed” continues to resonate with me. (Streaming on multiple platforms) – Matt Brennan
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2024-07-18 19:00