Olivier Assayas's, "Carlos: a 5-hour examination of the life and violent acts of - tinear - Films/DVD Asylum

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Olivier Assayas's, "Carlos: a 5-hour examination of the life and violent acts of

the infamous international terrorist also known as, "The Jackal."
This is a brilliant, complex, and fascinating look into the politics behind the movement of which Carlos was the charismatic poster-boy. The complex factions of disenchanted middle-class young European intellectuals, Arabs driven by anger at Israel's treatment of the Palestinians and "imperialist" meddling in their affairs, and cold-war players such as the USSR and E. Germany all found in Carlos a ruthless mastermind who was as fearless as he was brilliant.
This portrait doesn't flatter his image, though it also refuses to tar him. Is he so much more detestable than generals that give orders resulting in the deaths of dozens of civilians?
During the time of his major activities, it may be useful to recall that the US was still highly involved in the politics of many foreign countries, installing or removing rulers as if they were so many chess pieces. Right or wrong, Carlos set himself up as a one-man wrecking force to oppose not only US imperialism, but also that of some OPEC nations and many European ones.
Asseyas's style is invisible, this is very close to an old-fashioned documentary devoid of directorial flourishes, "artistic" embellishments, or histrionics in close-up.
With his interpretation of Carlos, Edgar Ramirez joins a very elite few at the top of his profession: his Carlos is multi-faceted, contradictory, and very human while also being brutal, cold-blooded... and charming.
I can only imagine Bardem competing with him as the best working actor.

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Topic - Olivier Assayas's, "Carlos: a 5-hour examination of the life and violent acts of - tinear 13:27:52 03/17/11 (10)

Lots of personal politics injected in your review. * - mr grits 06:26:18 03/18/11 (1)

Be specific. What is "personal?" nt - tinear 08:33:39 03/18/11 (0)

It's also a raucous good yarn, while still being terrifying and disturbing. - Tony D. 15:49:47 03/17/11 (1)

That's exactly what I said. He's no better or worse than state-sanctioned executioners - tinear 21:21:03 03/17/11 (0)

Just watched Assayas's, "Boarding Gate" and had to force myself to sit through that crap - Victor Khomenko 15:34:58 03/17/11 (0)

RE: Olivier Assayas's, "Carlos: a 5-hour examination of the life and violent acts of - patrickU 13:52:08 03/17/11 (4)

RE: Yeah Patrick and I bet Klaus Barbie should deserve pardon from you for his services... - Eldragon@gmx.com 22:50:07 03/17/11 (1)

RE: Yeah Patrick and I bet Klaus Barbie should deserve pardon from you for his services... - patrickU 01:29:10 03/18/11 (0)

And what of LBJ? Nixon? And the French leaders that took you to Dien Bien Phu? How about the - tinear 15:04:48 03/17/11 (1)

RE: And what of LBJ? Nixon? And the French leaders that took you to Dien Bien Phu? How about the - patrickU 09:01:19 03/18/11 (0)

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