Buzzing with controversy, getting to watch this documentary has been fulfilling in many ways. With the era of reformation, democracy along with freedom of speech has opened many cans of worms. In the past, it would be unthinkable for this country to be able to watch films on this topic. Following the documentary of 40 Years of Silence – An Indonesian Tragedy, The Act of Killing offers a different point of view on the tragedy albeit hauntingly similar reenactment of the killings.
The film opens with a musical number of a score of women in cabaret outfit dancing next to the giant fish tunnel, along with a rotund man in a matching pink gown and head piece. With that, we knew we’d be in for some kind of a trip. The main star of this documentary, Anwar Congo who self admitted to bearing a resemblance to Sidney Poitier, is that likeable bad guy we’d love to hate. As one of the many executioners appointed by the military to carry out the killings and tortures of hundreds, if not thousands, suspected member of PKI, Anwar’s demeanor could easily fool you into thinking he’s an eccentric artist. The filmmaker mostly follows Anwar whom almost always trailed by Herman, a chubby man with questionable sensibilities. What’s interesting is also the access that the filmmaker manages to gain, having captured some of the most candid moments of the country’s top politicians and leaders. One wonders what sort of brilliant fabrication he came up with. With that, this film offers an unprecedented, rare view of a certain legendary leader.
Going back to Anwar whom character we could completely root for if not for his past crime. He’s a complex character and as well as uncertain about what he has done. In the beginning, he seems to be this care-free person who still relishes in his past along with his cohorts. Toward the end, while re-enacting some of the killing scene, he started to develop a mix feeling that seems indescribable to him but can only be felt. His physical reaction was undeniably an admission of guilt while his mind is still teetering on the brink of it. All that culminating towards a very heart-wrenching ending which was difficult to watch.
There are many humorous as much as morbid moments. We get the phrase of ‘relax and rolex’ from one of the killers describing how they enjoy their life. The word ‘preman’ comes from the word ‘free man’ and was aptly supplemented with the song Born Free. One man’s blunt disclosure of remorselessness by declaring that ‘war crimes are being defined by the winner. And I’m the winner so I can make my own definition’. It is really a bone-chilling film that will stir a lot of sentiments as well as spotlight to this harrowing history in Indonesian.
Synopsis
A documentary that challenges former Indonesian death squad leaders to reenact their real-life mass-killings in whichever cinematic genres they wish, including classic Hollywood crime scenarios and lavish musical numbers. (IMDB)
