So, not down with Black Friday (or Grey Thursday, the newest holiday shopping evil)? Want to avoid the crowds at the mulitplex and malls? And want a recommendation for something to watch at home? Well, if you've never seen Gillo Pontecorvo's masterful and hugely influential 1966 film "The Battle Of Algiers," here's a quick clip with three filmmakers telling you why you need to check it out.
The Criterion Collection recently dropped a segment from the extras of their excellent release for the film, featuring Mira Nair, Spike Lee and Steven Soderbergh. The directors emphasize the still astonishing, visceral nature of the film, that seemed so real the movie is preceded by a note telling viewers that it's not a documentary. The film, which delves into the guerilla tactics used by Algerian fighters against the French, is bracing, raw stuff and is even said to have been studied by groups ranging from the Black Panthers to the IRA. Give it a whirl below. The film is now available on both DVD and Blu-Ray. [Biblioklept]
