Reviewed by Neil Davey
Stars John Pilger, assorted intelligent, eloquent South Americans
and one jaw-droppingly blinkered arsehole who was very
high up in the CIA during the 1970s and 1980s
Written by John Pilger
Certification UK 12 | UK RRP £19.99
DVD Region 2 | Runtime 94 minutes
Directed by Chris Martin & John Pilger
We're not in the habit of giving out five stars here at Screenjabber Towers — particularly not for a DVD with no extras — but sometimes a film can defy the odds. Applying the logic that five stars signifies something that's essential viewing — and doubly so if, dear reader, you're American — then The War on Democracy, John Pilger's jaw-dropping look at US "intervention" in South American politics and beyond, is a worthy recipient.
Even if you're reasonably politically aware and know about the Allende / Pinochet debacle, the immoral Chavez coup and other shaming incidents in US history, this is an astonishing and distressing film. Pilger's "just the facts" approach avoids Michael Moore style soundbites in favour of well-researched truths, deeply moving witness statements and regular chances for the establishment to answer back: the lack of 80-year-old Alzheimer sufferers being doorstepped for political effect is painfully obvious.
The depth of Washington's involvement in powershifts in "The Backyard" is truly alarming, and the attempts by former CIA chief Duane Clarridge to justify the actions, including vehement denials that thousands disappeared under Pinochet, gives a terrifying insight into the mentality of those in power: after all, who needs evidence or humanity when you can just strap on the blinkers and do evil things in the name of "national security"? The fact that the same "logic" is now being applied to Iraq is a point Pilger makes in understated fashion, realising that his audience is intelligent and capable of empathy and reason. Completely unlike the US Government, in fact.
EXTRAS None, but it doesn't matter. Watch and learn.