Andrew McMurtryREVIEW: The Battle of Algiers (1966)
October 20th 2008 13:00
All images in films are made to be political. This is especially seen in the re-enactment of “The Battle of Algiers”. The actual Battle of Algiers occurred between 1954 and 1957 as a rebellion against the French in the capital of Algeria. This representation is an extraordinarily literal account of the times and the accounts of guerrilla warfare in this period. The Algerians were fighting for their freedom. They were fighting for their independence. This is a political message against oppression. Every country on the earth wants to be able to govern its own country without having to clear it with an oppressive master. Another image shows the oppression of the Algerians is the fence which separated the Arabic side from the French side. This is stunning and draws comparisons with apartheid in Africa in terms of a disgusting treatment of a group of people.
The film, “The Battle of Algiers” is a stunning representation of the conflict, authentically depicting the city of Algiers. It incorporates literally thousands of Algeria citizens in this film, giving it a real feeling of truth. The streets and buildings were authentic as well as the film was shot in the city of Algiers. The camera style used has also been used to give the film a news-reel feel. Amazingly, this was all shot during the filming of the movie. The movie shows viewers, with startling frankness, the struggle that the Algerians were under to free themselves from the oppression of their French oppressors. Long shots of people and police fighting in the streets, and Algerian terrorists shooting French officers in the back and planting bombs in crowded places on the French side of town, which explode in graphic detail. For a movie released in 1966, this was amazing. It really was a movie well before its time.
The tit-for-tat battle between the Algerian National Liberation Front and the French paratroopers is the main story in this film. After the explosions in the crowded French café’s and restaurants, the French move in to the Arabian side of the city and begin systematically taking out Algerian rebels under the command of Colonel Mathieu, whose intense and steely demeanour, mixed with his respect and admiration for the liberation leaders, is critical for opposing the Algerian fight back. On the other side, the ferocity and patriotism shown by the rebel leaders is perfect to show the fighters of oppression’s mood and passion for their cause.
Despite the dramatic way that this film is filmed, the film does shed some light on the past history of the conflict. This movie shows the courage of a people to stand up against their oppressors and fight for political liberation. As the leaders of the rebellion are wiped out by the French, we fear the message may be, that the oppressors will win, but the power of the people to overthrow the French is a significant symbol for all those who struggle to achieve freedom.
The signs of oppression of a people are everywhere in this film. The heavy French police presence, the fence constructed to keep the Algerians on one side of town and the French on the other as well as wiping out of the terrorists after an attack. The “Organisation”, Algerian National Liberation Front, just wanted liberation. Luckily, the film ended up with the right message. Instead of the terrorists defeating the French, the Algerian public rose up and forced them out. This shows that the power of the people is in the many, not the few. The patriotism shown by the public in forcing the French out and liberating Algeria is what the powerful political message is. This is shown through the imagery of flags to represent nationalism.
This film was very eye-opening. It may not be the best movie I've ever seen but it is just amazing to see what went on during the Battle of Algiers. And for a 1960's film, it made well before its time. I would give the film a 2.5 out of 5 for the entertainment value but it is worth seeing for the history and the briliance of filmmaking. 3.5 out of 5.
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