A professor and 60 Minutes producer speaks candidly about the impetus for suppression of reality in media coverage of the so-called war on terror.


This movie is part of the collection: News & Public Affairs

Director: Andrew Stromotich
Producer: Andrew Stromotich
Production Company: dropframe communications
Sponsor: GNN.tv
Audio/Visual: sound, color
Keywords: war on terror; media; Iraq
Contact Information: dropframe@shaw.ca

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Reviewer: Indeterminacy - - May 26, 2012
Subject: Excellent Experimental News Mix
I found this via the curator's choice link. It's a fitting document of what war and media have become today, and still up to date in 2012, unfortunately. However, I think this video will be over the heads of those who are most taken in by the current state of reporting.

Reviewer: Single Malt - - February 11, 2010
Subject: The media sucks but the message is good
Made it to 2:25 then shut it off. I think there is a thoughtful message in there somewhere but I won't dig through the noise to find it. I agree with the "day job" comment below.

Reviewer: hugozoom - - September 19, 2009
Subject: gimmicky editing lets the material down
I have to agree with the others who object to the layering on of "MTV-style" production gimmicks. It's especially ironic in a video decrying how other communications about the Iraq conflict are untrustworthy narratives. Consider: don't the stylistic touches suggest the producers don't trust the material, presented more simply, to speak for itself?

Reviewer: EclipsespilcE - - September 4, 2009
Subject: The message was lost
Slick editing? No. TERRIBLE editing. Agreed, the repetitive phrasing was entirely for emotional impact, but it failed...miserably. I'm sympathetic to the issue, and even agree. That said: This video is obvious propaganda. If they were hoping for even a shred of credibility, 'twas blown by the MTV hack n' slash. The audio is exTREMEly annoying. Terrible, pathetic and annoying. I got a headache barely 1 minute into viewing.

Don't give up yer day job, buddy.

Reviewer: pumo - - October 6, 2005
Subject: sitars
I appreciate the reviews, and have to rate my own work to post this (so I am giving it the same rating it had before my post). I think nathan missed it, the 'dull' repetitive statement by klien refers to how reality is supressed in coverage to make it an enjoyable watching experience (people don't want to see iraqi's blowing up and they haven't), heavy coming from a producer of one of the most watched news programs in america.
Nathan also reveals his own ethnocentricity with the comments about sitars. I am no orientalist, and the chants to god reveal my own reaction to the murderous crusade of modern america and the media conspiracy to make it acceptable- OH MY GOD

Reviewer: nathankl - - September 29, 2005
Subject: problematic
while i agree with the general statement of the video, that the coverage of the current war in iraq is, at best, heavily skewed and misrepresentative, this video is not very good.
to begin with, the editing is extremely cheesy, the constant repeats of dull phrases doesn't have the desired effect of poignancy.
one of the largest issue i had with it though was the sound track. why did the creator use a hare krishna song? did he think of the implications behind his choice or was it simply thrown in because it has sitars, and sitars are mysterious sounding and imply a conspiratorial tone.
exotification anyone?

Reviewer: noodhoog - - June 29, 2005
Subject: Very slick
Lovely bit of video mashup. Witty, with slick editing, and with a clear message. Reminiscent in some ways of the audio work of Cassette Boy.
Highly recommended!

Credits

Director: Andrew Stromotich

Music: dropframe, dj cheb i sabbah