So we managed to score two passes to see a free screening of The Bang Bang Club, a film still in production, starring Ryan Phillipe. I had no idea what the movie was about but first of all it was free, and secondly the idea of attending a screening was extremely interesting to me. I like the idea of feeling a part of the process of this film.

The title made me think this movie was your typical action film at best. I was way of the mark. Apparently the bang bang club was a group of photographers who shot the civil war in South Africa during the early to mid 90s. Their photos represented the happenings in South Africa in all major newspapers all around the world and a couple of them won Pulitzer prizes for their shots. The movie exposes the lifestyle of a photojournalist working in a combat zone and the dangerous and complex nature of their work.

At the end of the film, a two sided survey was distributed asking questions on our impression of the film. The questions were actually quite detailed and intelligent. I really enjoyed filling out the survey because I love the art of film and as an actor I consider myself a somewhat more educated film goer and I definitely had an opinion that I wanted to share.

Overall I found the movie to be very strong and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a film with a bit more substance than most. However it is not a perfect film. Despite some very strong acting moments, they were moments. The acting was inconsistent, especially Ryan Phillipe. He’s the lead man and you attention is on him all the time. Mostly he does a good job of holding your attention and communicating the reality and complexity of his character and circumstances. But once in a while there is a scene that is so clearly being “acted”. When an actor tries to hard and starts demonstrating how they feel, instead of just feeling it, it pulls you out of the film.

The film deals with very harsh and brutal circumstances and for the most part doesn’t shy away from showing it. But without giving too much away, there were moments when I felt like they were playing it a little safe which did diminish the overall credibility. 

Despite these flaws there was something very genuine and human at the core of this movie. Even as I sit here thinking of the film, and my favourite scenes, my eyes are welling up. There are some absolutely stunning, and poignant scenes in this film that just take your breath away. More than anything this movie is about real people trying to survive in a horrific time. This film was able to share those stories, just as a great photograph does.

You will be happy to know I shared all these thoughts in my survey. I’d like to think the producers take my comments to heart and the version that is released sees all my suggestions in effect. That is perhaps a little optimistic but I enjoyed contributing my opinion nonetheless.

I will definitely see this movie and again when it is released and see how much or if it changes at all!

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