In the Year of the Pig (1968)
“The one I fly is known as birth control.”
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Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:
Response to Peary’s Review: To a certain extent, In the Year of the Pig is a documentary very much of-its-time: it had a certain power in 1969 when we were still deeply embroiled in the Vietnam War, and decisions discussed on-screen related to current life-or-death outcomes. However, Peary argues that while the “film has an undeniable fascination… too much serendipity is evident in the choice of footage and interview subjects”. He notes his frustration that “we never feel we’re getting a full story about any aspect of the war”, and shares that “even in 1969 [he] thought the film was weak”, given de Antonio’s clear bias in favor of the North Vietnamese. I disagree: it was de Antonio’s prerogative as a creative montagist to pull together clips that supported his argument, and his documentary — while certainly not comprehensive — prompts us to interpret the conflict in a unique and provocative way. Redeeming Qualities and Moments: Must See? Categories
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One thought on “In the Year of the Pig (1968)”
First viewing. A once-must, for its historical importance. This is simply a document not to be ignored and viewing it amounts to an imperative.