Anthony Breznican: Best of 20124 of 11
#8: Compliance
This film got under my skin in more ways than I would like. Based on a 100% true story, the more shocking elements of writer-director Craig Zobel’s movie outraged some audiences, who slammed it as exploitative or over-the-top. Those who look up the actual case will know better. Ann Dowd stars as a fast-food manager who gets a call from a police officer (a steely [link=]Pat Healy[/link]) informing her that ateenage employee ("Don’t Trust the B’s" Dreama Walker) has stolen money from a customer and is part of a larger ongoing investigation. He wants her strip-searched – and worse. It’s clear to the viewer early on this is part of some sick prank, but we’re helpless as we see how easily well-intentioned people can be manipulated through their natural subservience to authority. It’s one of the most uncomfortable movies of the year, not because of what Dowd’s character does, or what Walker’s character endures, but because of the uncertainty that we might do the same.
This film got under my skin in more ways than I would like. Based on a 100% true story, the more shocking elements of writer-director Craig Zobel’s movie outraged some audiences, who slammed it as exploitative or over-the-top. Those who look up the actual case will know better. Ann Dowd stars as a fast-food manager who gets a call from a police officer (a steely [link=]Pat Healy[/link]) informing her that ateenage employee ("Don’t Trust the B’s" Dreama Walker) has stolen money from a customer and is part of a larger ongoing investigation. He wants her strip-searched – and worse. It’s clear to the viewer early on this is part of some sick prank, but we’re helpless as we see how easily well-intentioned people can be manipulated through their natural subservience to authority. It’s one of the most uncomfortable movies of the year, not because of what Dowd’s character does, or what Walker’s character endures, but because of the uncertainty that we might do the same.
PeopleDreama Walker
TitlesCompliance
CountriesUnited Arab Emirates, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Egypt, Spain, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Sweden, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, United States, South Africa
LanguagesEnglish