Let me explain this in terms everyone can understand. This is not an issue about Republican or Democrat, Left or Right. This is about justice. When a Government that is responsible for it's people turns it back on an entire State for immoral reasons someone needs to be accountable. This documentary explains in detail what happens when a government any government is not held accountable. There are no glass houses. Heed it's warning. One day it could be you floating down main street. Or burning up from global warming gone mad. This film is terrifying in the sense that it wasn't filmed in a Hollywood studio with some lame like Bruce Willis saving the day and all is well. This is real. And if you can stomach it, watch it. Invite a friend to watch it. And demand accountability from the people that are supposed to work for all of us. What does it say, when the richest country in the world lets it's most weak, sickest, poorest, young and old rot in a major city for over 7days? Watch this documentary and you answer that question yourself.
73 Reviews
A moving requiem, not an autopsy
Ric-723 August 2006
A requiem is a service intended to express the emotions and beliefs of the survivors at the death of a loved one. A requiem is not an autopsy to determine the cause of death, and if Spike Lee intended a requiem, I think he has succeeded. Criticism that this film is not analytical and precise is actually a complaint that this was not an autopsy--but none was intended.
One day a documentary may be made which closely follows the chronology of the storm and the failure of the levees. A documentary may more closely focus on the devastation of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and the equally shameful failure of government to deal with the problem there. A documentary may be made which focuses on how daily life has changed for those of us who survived. I don't think Spike Lee intended to cover all of those points. The points he did address were very well presented.
The film is outstanding at communicating the grief, suffering and frustrations of the persons shown in the film. It is a very moving expression of emotion and belief, which is the purpose of a requiem.
I don't think the lack of government response is simply and solely attributable to racism, but that may be because I am white. In the film, that opinion was frequently expressed, but I also note that there were also some opinions expressed about the levees being intentionally dynamited. I think Spike Lee undercut the impact of his major premise by including a rumor that seems similar to the myths of Bigfoot or Elvis being alive.
I think the gross government ineptitude, inertia and political games are all well-documented, and the bottom line is that those persons who were financially able to take care of themselves fared better than those who were not--it's a matter of class and wealth, and not so much a matter of race.
In yesterday's news, it was noted that Congress earlier appropriated $17 billion to build new houses in the affected areas, and that as of this date (August 22, 2006), not a single house has been built with that money in either Louisiana or Mississippi.
One day a documentary may be made which closely follows the chronology of the storm and the failure of the levees. A documentary may more closely focus on the devastation of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and the equally shameful failure of government to deal with the problem there. A documentary may be made which focuses on how daily life has changed for those of us who survived. I don't think Spike Lee intended to cover all of those points. The points he did address were very well presented.
The film is outstanding at communicating the grief, suffering and frustrations of the persons shown in the film. It is a very moving expression of emotion and belief, which is the purpose of a requiem.
I don't think the lack of government response is simply and solely attributable to racism, but that may be because I am white. In the film, that opinion was frequently expressed, but I also note that there were also some opinions expressed about the levees being intentionally dynamited. I think Spike Lee undercut the impact of his major premise by including a rumor that seems similar to the myths of Bigfoot or Elvis being alive.
I think the gross government ineptitude, inertia and political games are all well-documented, and the bottom line is that those persons who were financially able to take care of themselves fared better than those who were not--it's a matter of class and wealth, and not so much a matter of race.
In yesterday's news, it was noted that Congress earlier appropriated $17 billion to build new houses in the affected areas, and that as of this date (August 22, 2006), not a single house has been built with that money in either Louisiana or Mississippi.
Spike Lee Captures Our Heartache
khereth22 August 2006
By far and away the best documentary on Katrina and what happened to the people of my home, New Orleans. It captures the anger, the despair, the fear, and the humanity of our country's greatest disaster. I still cry when I see my city under water. I cry even more knowing others did not receive equal assistance because of the color of their skin. I was concerned that Spike Lee would put his spin on this tragedy, but he has done the opposite. He allows citizens from all over the city, economic and racial backgrounds to tell the real story. He gives a fair and balanced perspective on how all levels of our government failed the people of New Olreans and a good portion of the Gulf Region. I only hope that Mr. Lee comes back in a few years to film another documentary, "The City New Orleanians Re-Built".
Thank you Spike and all the people at 40 Acres and a Mule for doing what had to be done - recording the real story. I see heaps of Emmys.
Thank you Spike and all the people at 40 Acres and a Mule for doing what had to be done - recording the real story. I see heaps of Emmys.
powerful, angering and a must see
dave160622 August 2006
Spike Lee's film When the Levees Broke: A Requim in Four acts is a haunting look at New Orleans during and after the devastation of Katrina. But this documentary is quick to point out that the disaster was not really from nature at all, it came directly from our own government, from the army core of engineers' poor construction of the Levees to the complete breakdown of the federal government and FEMA's lack buster response. This is not easy to watch as you see just how people's lives were devastated. It is angering, saddening, and also hopeful that New Orleans will be rebuilt and that there is progress made. I liked how it does not point blame in one direction. Everyone is at fault here though some more than others. Seeing the picture of Dick Chenney fly fishing days after the disaster and Condaliza Rice buying shoes in NYC were certainly angering but also watching the governor of Lousiana refuse help from our president are standouts. However the real star of this documentary are the people of New Orleans. They talk freely and angrily about the pain that they have gone through and show that the storm didn't end last August, its still going on there to this day. It is unbelievable to watch as these people wait 4 months and longer for FEMA trailers, and when they get them to find that there is no electricity. When asked what she could do to get electricity one woman suggests a blow-job. It just shows the complete lack of support our government gave to this state and to this city. This film will move you to tears many times and is hard to take but it is necessary to watch . It features a superb score by Terrance Blanchard whose own family was devastated by Katrina as shown on film. An excellent documentary.
Native New Orleanian: see this movie!
juleyda19 August 2006
I saw this four-hour documentary here in the city, in an arena with about 8000 other locals (I was born and raised here and this is my first visit since Katrina). It was beautiful and had me crying from the opening montage, with the incredibly beautiful New Orleans music and Blanchard's haunting score. The point of the movie seemed to me to document the horrors and outrages that the human beings in the NOLA area had to survive (as Lee said introducing the movie, be sure you have a box of Kleenex), as well as their inimitable humor and love of life that has so far been the ONLY thing to sustain the city. In the nightmare aftermath of insurance ripoffs, government incompetence and stinginess, and frequent scorn and betrayal by other "Americans," we New Orleanians now know that we have NOBODY to rely on but ourselves and each other. And after watching this movie, I am beginning to have faith that that might actually be enough. Because we are strong, resourceful, loving, fun, proud, badass people. And to his enormous credit, Spike Lee totally gets us and has really captured the soul of the city itself: its priceless daughters and sons. All of us.
Our local rag, the Times-Picayune, published a racist and misleading review of the movie on the day it was going to be screened, basically saying it only portrayed the black experience of Katrina, whatever that means. Many white people I know didn't want to see it, based on this, which is a horrible mistake. Some of Lee's movies are provocative representations of race relations; this one IS NOT, or at least, not in that sense. Please don't fall for that--the documentary shows many different views, and of course not all "black" views are the same either, as we see, for example, in the astute critique of Condi Rice's shoe shopping jaunt. Racism is certainly an issue in discussing Katrina, but this movie doesn't endorse divisiveness at all.
I think we in the US, or at least in NOLA, ought to know better than to think that we can only relate to people who look like us. I wept for and laughed and cheered almost all the interviewees in the movie, whatever their skin color. The white women in St. Bernard and the black folks from the Lower Nine, the white guy from Uptown and the creoles from around the city. Even the rich couple from Park Island, who reminded my husband of Lovey and Thuston Howell. We are all affected by the events of Katrina, not in the same ways, but that's why this movie can help us. We can see many different Katrina stories and get a bit more sense of the scope and scale of this disaster. I grew up in Gentilly Woods so I identified most with the family in Pontchartrain Park, a few blocks north, even though I'm white and they're black. Go figure.
The bigger point is, white people need to stop freaking out about race and whether NOLA is a "chocolate city" or not, and look at the real problems: the wetlands, the federal, state, and local neglect of the levees, and the problems that preceded: education, economy, infrastructure. Those affect everyone in the city, and people outside NOLA should take heed, these are not just our problems either. This could happen to you.
Our local rag, the Times-Picayune, published a racist and misleading review of the movie on the day it was going to be screened, basically saying it only portrayed the black experience of Katrina, whatever that means. Many white people I know didn't want to see it, based on this, which is a horrible mistake. Some of Lee's movies are provocative representations of race relations; this one IS NOT, or at least, not in that sense. Please don't fall for that--the documentary shows many different views, and of course not all "black" views are the same either, as we see, for example, in the astute critique of Condi Rice's shoe shopping jaunt. Racism is certainly an issue in discussing Katrina, but this movie doesn't endorse divisiveness at all.
I think we in the US, or at least in NOLA, ought to know better than to think that we can only relate to people who look like us. I wept for and laughed and cheered almost all the interviewees in the movie, whatever their skin color. The white women in St. Bernard and the black folks from the Lower Nine, the white guy from Uptown and the creoles from around the city. Even the rich couple from Park Island, who reminded my husband of Lovey and Thuston Howell. We are all affected by the events of Katrina, not in the same ways, but that's why this movie can help us. We can see many different Katrina stories and get a bit more sense of the scope and scale of this disaster. I grew up in Gentilly Woods so I identified most with the family in Pontchartrain Park, a few blocks north, even though I'm white and they're black. Go figure.
The bigger point is, white people need to stop freaking out about race and whether NOLA is a "chocolate city" or not, and look at the real problems: the wetlands, the federal, state, and local neglect of the levees, and the problems that preceded: education, economy, infrastructure. Those affect everyone in the city, and people outside NOLA should take heed, these are not just our problems either. This could happen to you.
A powerful and emotional documentation on this nation's worst disaster
JonTMarin81621 August 2006
Spike Lee has made his most powerful work yet with "When The Levees Broke". It has only been one night and two hours, but this documentary has moved me in such a way. I lived to see this on television but nothing quite put me in the middle of this disaster than this documentary. In depth interviews with the mayor, governor and citizens of New Orleans and the Ninth Ward was so stripped down and raw, I couldn't do anything but weep. This is really the first motion picture or anything of that like to make me cry. I felt like I was there and experienced it. One thing that I applaud Spike for was keeping it real. Nothing was censored, which comes to no surprise because it's on HBO, but vivid portrayals of the environment such as dead bodies or backed up sewage, were shown and even when it wasn't you felt like you could see or smell it. The frustration of the people of New Orleans pierces your heart and you could do nothing but feel for them. In two hours, "When The Leeves Broke" taught me things and gave a lot of insight on the Hurricane Katrina fiasco. I eagerly await the final two hours.
The Truth Is Even Worse
edalweber3 December 2006
Spike Lee is certainly not correct about levees being blown,but the truth is even worse.He is certainly nearer to the truth than people who blame "the force of the hurricane".As one who rode out both Katrina and Hurricane Betsy in the same house in Gentilly,it was obvious at the time that Katrina was no worse.The lake levees,which were properly built,though exposed to the full force of the storm,came through unscathed.What collapsed and flooded the main part of the city west of the Industrial Canal were those worthless,cracker box,stage-prop "flood walls" along the drainage canals that folded up and collapsed like cheap card tables the minute the water rose.
Besides the Corps of Engineers,we can blame former Mayor "Slimy Sidney" Barthelemy"The Man Who Murdered A City".He deliberately forced out the veteran engineers of the Sewage & Water Board,so that no one would object to those worthless (but profitable) frauds.AND he had the valuable assistance of the alleged "newspaper",the Times Picayune which covered up his criminality. The incompetent stooges that Barthelemy replaced the experienced engineers with not only approved those worthless flood walls that the old engineers knew were disasters waiting to happen,but, still infesting the Sewage & Water Board to this day,insanely dredged the drainage canals in such a way as to remove what little foundations those flood walls had.The 17th St. Canal shows this graphically.This sits astride the parish line.Jefferson Parish engineers refused to allow this lunatic dredging on THEIR side of the canal, which is why only the Orleans side collapsed.A year before Katrina, people living along the drainage canals complained of salt water seeping into their yards, killing plants.To a COMPETENT,HONEST engineer this a clear sign that something was dangerously wrong with the levee foundations.But the Barthelemy "engineers" swept it under the rug,telling people that they were "imagining things".
And as for blaming those who wouldn't evacuate,If one thing was proved, it is that evacuating a city this size IS NOT PRACTICAL.New Orleans could and should have been an impregnable fortress against hurricanes.The vast bulk of the misery caused by Barthelemy's Flood was the destruction of the homes,and LIVES of the "survivors",who now have to live,or rather EXIST in this horror.The empty city was picked clean by looters despite the presence of thousands of police and National Guard,which shows that it is the PEOPLE who are the real crime deterrents.Telling people,"Get out, let the hurricane and the looters destroy your homes and businesses,and we will give you sardine can trailers to live in" is typical of the garbage we hear from the government.
Besides the Corps of Engineers,we can blame former Mayor "Slimy Sidney" Barthelemy"The Man Who Murdered A City".He deliberately forced out the veteran engineers of the Sewage & Water Board,so that no one would object to those worthless (but profitable) frauds.AND he had the valuable assistance of the alleged "newspaper",the Times Picayune which covered up his criminality. The incompetent stooges that Barthelemy replaced the experienced engineers with not only approved those worthless flood walls that the old engineers knew were disasters waiting to happen,but, still infesting the Sewage & Water Board to this day,insanely dredged the drainage canals in such a way as to remove what little foundations those flood walls had.The 17th St. Canal shows this graphically.This sits astride the parish line.Jefferson Parish engineers refused to allow this lunatic dredging on THEIR side of the canal, which is why only the Orleans side collapsed.A year before Katrina, people living along the drainage canals complained of salt water seeping into their yards, killing plants.To a COMPETENT,HONEST engineer this a clear sign that something was dangerously wrong with the levee foundations.But the Barthelemy "engineers" swept it under the rug,telling people that they were "imagining things".
And as for blaming those who wouldn't evacuate,If one thing was proved, it is that evacuating a city this size IS NOT PRACTICAL.New Orleans could and should have been an impregnable fortress against hurricanes.The vast bulk of the misery caused by Barthelemy's Flood was the destruction of the homes,and LIVES of the "survivors",who now have to live,or rather EXIST in this horror.The empty city was picked clean by looters despite the presence of thousands of police and National Guard,which shows that it is the PEOPLE who are the real crime deterrents.Telling people,"Get out, let the hurricane and the looters destroy your homes and businesses,and we will give you sardine can trailers to live in" is typical of the garbage we hear from the government.
Every American should see this documentary
hbtrex23 August 2006
Every American should see this documentary. Spike Lee has done an award winning film on the Katrina disaster. When America realizes that:the disaster was caused by the admitted poor construction of the Levees by the Army Corps of Engineers and the impact on the wetlands caused by the dredging of the outlet of the Mississippi river; and that 30 % of Americas oil and gas production comes off the Lousinana coastline, even though it is technically too far from the coast to generate direct revenue to the state of Louisiana; this disaster has Federal accountability. Whether or not the insurance companies have blame for calling the damage a result of flood, instead of the flood caused by the Hurricane (duh!), whatever is the cost of rebuilding the city should be born by the American taxpayer, or the appropriate budget reallocation. Spike Lee's documentary shows that both in human and logical terms, it's time for the American public to insist that our sister states that were damaged by Katrina be restored ASAP and both the levees and the oil/gas production be secured to a level appropriate with the risk. Thank god for the free press of our great nation.
I am grateful to Spike Lee!
tlee_n_karen21 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I am thankful that Spike Lee gave us a REAL glimpse at what REALLY happened. I was truly saddened and heartbroken that this had not been brought to light sooner, but grateful it is here to tell the true story of what really happened in the aftermath of Katrina in New Orleans. I cried through 90% of this documentary as I found it appalling how the various pieces of government failed in so many ways to help the people of New Orleans. The part that really bothered me most was when the truth was revealed about how various government bodies attempted to cover their own asses with the popular catch phrase of, "I was not informed" or "I was misinformed." Especially when they showed video clips of the various government bodies being notified days before Katrina hit. I am appalled that politics was even a thought during this crisis. I was further appalled to know that people were dying waiting for Federal Aid, whose lives could have been saved. Instead people DIED thanks to a government being too wrapped up in their own images and money to save lives.
Thank you Spike Lee for showing us the TRUTH! I cannot wait to see part 2!
Thank you Spike Lee for showing us the TRUTH! I cannot wait to see part 2!
extraordinary depiction of extraordinary events
mantarayinvasion10 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This documentary is intensely powerful, all 4 parts of it - easily over 4 or 5 hours in total (I watched it all from beginning to end in one sitting and lost track of time). The purity of the depiction is very refreshing, free of the overbearingly pompous moral platitudes of someone like Michael Moore. No voice-over, just the just the voices of people involved in the disaster. Yes, it is clear what side the filmmaker is on. However, the way the film is produced is balanced, thought-provoking and insightful in such a way that one simply cannot argue with what it is saying. It is incredibly poignant, but there is no sentimentality here - there 's simply no need for it, because the tragedy is so stark and numbing in its extremity. The scale of the tragedy is too huge for any lens to capture, but this is probably the closest most outsiders could ever get to feeling the pain of the New Orleans people. It is clear this was an unprecedented event, and it really does require the depth and scope that a 4 or 5 hour examination makes possible. It is always compulsive viewing, and while the subject matter is impossibly dark, it does show some wonderful flashes of human strength and positivity that provide some hope. In short, it is a masterpiece of documentary film-making, and a very courageous project.
** spoilers and discussion below **
The first 2 parts cover the buildup to and immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It is harrowing and painful. It is incredible to see 'third-world' scenes of utter devastation and people so viciously stripped of their humanity and dignity on American soil. You will see dead bodies hideously swollen and decomposed, shell-shocked children whose last memory of their home is watching their parents die. Words honestly fail me when trying to convey the horrors depicted here. It is not easy viewing, but in a way it is our duty to watch it.
Nothing can prepare you for acts 3 and 4 that cover the longer-term aftermath. This is a mind-boggling story of an entire people, community and culture sold out and literally left to rot. Families are separated and dispersed around the country, left to fend for themselves. Work on clearing up the city doesn't even start for 6+ months after the event. On top of everything else, property developers are trying to steal citizens' bare land with the government's help (it's very profitable you see). It is a shameful indictment of the corrupt and subhuman way that the US is run. To any sane person watching, there is absolutely no doubt that the government of the US does not care about its people. For this reason alone this is probably the most important film that Spike Lee will ever make.
I am saddened by the criticism of this film in some of the reviews here. The film is clearly not only about black people, even though when a city has such a large black majority it is inevitable that race will become an issue. Wake up America, the only place in the world with such segregated communities was South Africa during apartheid. There are a lot of clearly shocked white people here, quite obviously feeling absolutely betrayed by the government and system they formerly believed in. It seems almost like the negative reviewers are hired ghouls of the government out to discredit this film and its maker.
The more cynical would say "well, what right do these people have to receive anything for free?" - I would implore these people to watch act 4. Lawful citizens who have paid years of tax and insurance, building a livelihood out of nothing with their bare hands, are told they will get nothing - theft and fraud on a grand scale. How does this fit into the American dream? How do you know that it won't happen to you tomorrow?
The most incredible thing you realise after watching this film is that somewhere along the line, life and humanity became expendable and cheaper than the paper we worship. The only thing that means anything anymore is money and power, and the only way to grow is to acquire more of it. This documentary shows how empty and destructive this philosophy actually is. I'm happy that Spike Lee still has the balls to make films like this.
The other thing you're left wondering at the end is: what more does it actually take for people to wake up and realise what is happening? What is this 'freedom' that is being sold to the world with a gun to its head?
By the way if you think I'm a typical internet anarcho-commie rebel, you could not be further from the truth. I work, pay taxes, bills, all the rest of it, just like any honest citizen. Read my other reviews, I'm not some kind of reactionary Infowars sheep. However I refuse to bury my head in the sand, and after watching this film you will also find it hard to do so. The truth is here, more vivid, brutal and real than CNN could ever be. You owe it to yourself to watch it.
** spoilers and discussion below **
The first 2 parts cover the buildup to and immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It is harrowing and painful. It is incredible to see 'third-world' scenes of utter devastation and people so viciously stripped of their humanity and dignity on American soil. You will see dead bodies hideously swollen and decomposed, shell-shocked children whose last memory of their home is watching their parents die. Words honestly fail me when trying to convey the horrors depicted here. It is not easy viewing, but in a way it is our duty to watch it.
Nothing can prepare you for acts 3 and 4 that cover the longer-term aftermath. This is a mind-boggling story of an entire people, community and culture sold out and literally left to rot. Families are separated and dispersed around the country, left to fend for themselves. Work on clearing up the city doesn't even start for 6+ months after the event. On top of everything else, property developers are trying to steal citizens' bare land with the government's help (it's very profitable you see). It is a shameful indictment of the corrupt and subhuman way that the US is run. To any sane person watching, there is absolutely no doubt that the government of the US does not care about its people. For this reason alone this is probably the most important film that Spike Lee will ever make.
I am saddened by the criticism of this film in some of the reviews here. The film is clearly not only about black people, even though when a city has such a large black majority it is inevitable that race will become an issue. Wake up America, the only place in the world with such segregated communities was South Africa during apartheid. There are a lot of clearly shocked white people here, quite obviously feeling absolutely betrayed by the government and system they formerly believed in. It seems almost like the negative reviewers are hired ghouls of the government out to discredit this film and its maker.
The more cynical would say "well, what right do these people have to receive anything for free?" - I would implore these people to watch act 4. Lawful citizens who have paid years of tax and insurance, building a livelihood out of nothing with their bare hands, are told they will get nothing - theft and fraud on a grand scale. How does this fit into the American dream? How do you know that it won't happen to you tomorrow?
The most incredible thing you realise after watching this film is that somewhere along the line, life and humanity became expendable and cheaper than the paper we worship. The only thing that means anything anymore is money and power, and the only way to grow is to acquire more of it. This documentary shows how empty and destructive this philosophy actually is. I'm happy that Spike Lee still has the balls to make films like this.
The other thing you're left wondering at the end is: what more does it actually take for people to wake up and realise what is happening? What is this 'freedom' that is being sold to the world with a gun to its head?
By the way if you think I'm a typical internet anarcho-commie rebel, you could not be further from the truth. I work, pay taxes, bills, all the rest of it, just like any honest citizen. Read my other reviews, I'm not some kind of reactionary Infowars sheep. However I refuse to bury my head in the sand, and after watching this film you will also find it hard to do so. The truth is here, more vivid, brutal and real than CNN could ever be. You owe it to yourself to watch it.
Disturbing and greatly needed
Beddiewong4 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
When you watch this film, you are engulfed by the tragic stories and circumstances of our fellow Americans. I consider this to be the greatest tragedy our nation has known.
To lose so many Americans and actually see the water logged remains of our citizens is eerie, depressing, and horrible. I can't imagine experiencing such a sight.
I wanted to know more stories and to see more. But I felt Spike delivered a clear message--this disaster was a wake up call for Americans--we really need to become more knowledgeable about government, policies, laws, and have mandatory state regulated disaster planning. It showed us how much we depend on our government when we are in danger. And why it's important to vote and elect qualified persons to our government.
This tragedy is far from over for the survivors. They still need help and support. I can't imagine how much healing had to be put on hold in order to survive through consistent aggravation from the insurance companies, new bills and polices, FEMA mishaps, and our government's response to this crisis.
Very moving, powerful, and compassionate documentary.
To lose so many Americans and actually see the water logged remains of our citizens is eerie, depressing, and horrible. I can't imagine experiencing such a sight.
I wanted to know more stories and to see more. But I felt Spike delivered a clear message--this disaster was a wake up call for Americans--we really need to become more knowledgeable about government, policies, laws, and have mandatory state regulated disaster planning. It showed us how much we depend on our government when we are in danger. And why it's important to vote and elect qualified persons to our government.
This tragedy is far from over for the survivors. They still need help and support. I can't imagine how much healing had to be put on hold in order to survive through consistent aggravation from the insurance companies, new bills and polices, FEMA mishaps, and our government's response to this crisis.
Very moving, powerful, and compassionate documentary.
Levees Does Not Play the Blame Game
nettrice22 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Note: Please don't respond to this unless you have seen the film.
There is always an unfortunate tendency that when ever something terrible happens to try to pin the blame on someone or something. When the terrible hurricane hit the Gulf Coast it did not take long for people to start trying to find someone to blame. This is not very helpful and often those involved in the blaming have little understanding of the problems and possible solutions.
In When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts, Lee does not play the blame game. He made a film that emphasizes and expresses things as (arguably) perceived without distortion of his personal feelings, or interpretation. That is what a documentary filmmaker does and ever since Four Little Girls I have had faith in Lee's ability to do just that: show the tension between propaganda and objective truth.
Another unfortunate part of the blame game is the politicization of tragedies by individuals, groups, or organizations to gain influence, power, or take a stab at those people or groups that already opposed. Sadly it seems to have happened with New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and Louisiana governor Kathleen Blanco. I think Spike Lee adeptly told this part of the tragedy, as well.
One last thing: the worst thing about the blame game is that while it sometimes makes some people feel better for a short period of time it often does more harm than good. In previous posts people have made jokes to mask their fear, or ignorance and tried to isolate various individuals or groups associated with the tragedy in New Orleans. Thankfully, Spike Lee does not do that. He keeps the film focused on the people suffering who need real help right now not blaming, joking, or grandstanding.
I give this film an A.
There is always an unfortunate tendency that when ever something terrible happens to try to pin the blame on someone or something. When the terrible hurricane hit the Gulf Coast it did not take long for people to start trying to find someone to blame. This is not very helpful and often those involved in the blaming have little understanding of the problems and possible solutions.
In When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts, Lee does not play the blame game. He made a film that emphasizes and expresses things as (arguably) perceived without distortion of his personal feelings, or interpretation. That is what a documentary filmmaker does and ever since Four Little Girls I have had faith in Lee's ability to do just that: show the tension between propaganda and objective truth.
Another unfortunate part of the blame game is the politicization of tragedies by individuals, groups, or organizations to gain influence, power, or take a stab at those people or groups that already opposed. Sadly it seems to have happened with New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and Louisiana governor Kathleen Blanco. I think Spike Lee adeptly told this part of the tragedy, as well.
One last thing: the worst thing about the blame game is that while it sometimes makes some people feel better for a short period of time it often does more harm than good. In previous posts people have made jokes to mask their fear, or ignorance and tried to isolate various individuals or groups associated with the tragedy in New Orleans. Thankfully, Spike Lee does not do that. He keeps the film focused on the people suffering who need real help right now not blaming, joking, or grandstanding.
I give this film an A.
Slightly Flawed But Stunning Overall
gftbiloxi10 June 2007
As a resident of south Mississippi, I am incredibly frustrated by media that reports "Hurricane Katrina Struck New Orleans." In truth, Hurricane Katrina struck the Mississippi gulf coast and south Louisiana, visiting upon those areas a thirty foot wall of water. New Orleans, on the edge of the weaker northwest quadrant of the storm, was merely brushed.
It is a point which WHEN THE LEVEES BROKE brings out early: New Orleans received at best a glancing blow and it should have survived. The great disaster which befell the city was not so much natural as man-made. And throughout the documentary's four hour run time, director Spike Lee not only presents a kaleidescope of interviews with survivors, he repeatedly returns to the inevitable question: how did it happen? Much of the answer to that question depends on who you ask. New Orleans has a history of blowing levees, and early in the film several people state flatly that the levees were deliberately blown in an effort to protect the city's wealthier districts at the expense of poorer areas. But although director Lee gives the idea play, it soon becomes clear that no such effort was required: it was in fact a mixture of bad design; neglect; an unwillingness by city, state, and federal officials to spend the money; and, most simply, indifference toward the people of New Orleans and indeed Louisiana in general.
WHEN THE LEVEES BROKE is truly devastating in its portrait of a great American city's collapse. Interviews with survivors, archival footage, and news reports paint a damning portrait of failure at almost every possible level. Most damning is the picture of federal inaction. While people drowned in their attics, President Bush was on vacation. While people collapsed from heat prostration and dehydration Condoleeza Rice bought shoes at an upscale store. The minutes became hours, the hours became days, and the cavalry simply did not arrive.
Spike Lee is a somewhat problematic director, an artist who has the very distinct tendency to interject race issues into scenarios whether such is warranted or not. In this particular instance, however, I believe Lee is on target when the attributes federal inaction in large part to the fact that New Orleans is predominately poor and black. Had he gone further to note the obvious fact that the city is also of the deep South--a region that has typically been ignored by Washington--he would have struck a bull's eye; it is worth pointing out that south Mississippi, which is predominately white, experienced the same federal foot dragging and ridiculous mismanagement.
When all is said and done, WHEN THE LEVEES broke is a stunning but flawed portrait of a horrific disaster that befell a great American city--a city which, as of this date, has yet to begin a significant recovery and which will very likely never again be the New Orleans of legend and song. It's great strength is that it allows the victims to speak for themselves; it's great failure is a tendency to posit race plain and simple as the cause of federal indifference. It was a mighty factor, to be sure, but nothing is ever quite as simple as all that.
The DVD release includes three disks. The film itself offers a commentary by Lee; the third disk consists of bonus material that further elaborates what is indeed an American tragedy. In spite of occasional flaws, I recommend it very strongly.
GFT, Amazon Reviewer
It is a point which WHEN THE LEVEES BROKE brings out early: New Orleans received at best a glancing blow and it should have survived. The great disaster which befell the city was not so much natural as man-made. And throughout the documentary's four hour run time, director Spike Lee not only presents a kaleidescope of interviews with survivors, he repeatedly returns to the inevitable question: how did it happen? Much of the answer to that question depends on who you ask. New Orleans has a history of blowing levees, and early in the film several people state flatly that the levees were deliberately blown in an effort to protect the city's wealthier districts at the expense of poorer areas. But although director Lee gives the idea play, it soon becomes clear that no such effort was required: it was in fact a mixture of bad design; neglect; an unwillingness by city, state, and federal officials to spend the money; and, most simply, indifference toward the people of New Orleans and indeed Louisiana in general.
WHEN THE LEVEES BROKE is truly devastating in its portrait of a great American city's collapse. Interviews with survivors, archival footage, and news reports paint a damning portrait of failure at almost every possible level. Most damning is the picture of federal inaction. While people drowned in their attics, President Bush was on vacation. While people collapsed from heat prostration and dehydration Condoleeza Rice bought shoes at an upscale store. The minutes became hours, the hours became days, and the cavalry simply did not arrive.
Spike Lee is a somewhat problematic director, an artist who has the very distinct tendency to interject race issues into scenarios whether such is warranted or not. In this particular instance, however, I believe Lee is on target when the attributes federal inaction in large part to the fact that New Orleans is predominately poor and black. Had he gone further to note the obvious fact that the city is also of the deep South--a region that has typically been ignored by Washington--he would have struck a bull's eye; it is worth pointing out that south Mississippi, which is predominately white, experienced the same federal foot dragging and ridiculous mismanagement.
When all is said and done, WHEN THE LEVEES broke is a stunning but flawed portrait of a horrific disaster that befell a great American city--a city which, as of this date, has yet to begin a significant recovery and which will very likely never again be the New Orleans of legend and song. It's great strength is that it allows the victims to speak for themselves; it's great failure is a tendency to posit race plain and simple as the cause of federal indifference. It was a mighty factor, to be sure, but nothing is ever quite as simple as all that.
The DVD release includes three disks. The film itself offers a commentary by Lee; the third disk consists of bonus material that further elaborates what is indeed an American tragedy. In spite of occasional flaws, I recommend it very strongly.
GFT, Amazon Reviewer
Death in the Disunited States
paul2001sw-18 September 2007
In some respects, New Orleans, a city built eight feet below sea level in the hear of hurricane country, is a natural disaster waiting to happen. But you might think, given its location in the richest country in the world, that there would at least be top-class flood defences, a solid evacuation plan and a firm commitment to rebuild. But in America, the politics of class and race are never far away, and New Orleans is poor and black. Director Spike Lee has done a real service for his country by making this film which exposes the shocking story of hurricane Katrina, a superficially simple assembly of documentary footage and the sometimes contradictory but always diverting testament of literally dozens of people, some famous but most not, caught up in the disaster. It's hard to pick out the most terrible revelations: but starving victims were prevented at gunpoint from entering neighbouring counties, and the school system has all but collapsed in the aftermath of the disaster because of the decline in the city's tax base: these are things that just shouldn't happen in a supposedly rich and civilised country, and are accidents (if that word is not too kindly) of man, not of nature. The truth is stark and powerful: Katrina did more damage than those planes on 9/11, but its attack was not aimed (especially) at the rich and powerful; the different responses serve a dreadful indictment of the state of the American dream.
thanks for telling it like it was!
bishopcatman@yahoo.com23 August 2006
an excellent documentary! keep up the good work, SPIKE LEE. we need more documentaries like this. to see hurricane Katrina and it's aftermath in the eyes of the people of new Orleans was both amazing and heart-wrenching. it's makes you wonder: 'what would i do if a disaster of that caliber ever affected myself and my community. it saddened me to see the segment in which a young lady was burying her child. i had to turn the channel because it was too much for me to watch. i hope formats such as this will be a learning tool for our future generation. GOD BLESS AND HELP THE PEOPLE OF NEW ORLEANS! i also want to say thanks to CNN news for an in(and truthful) coverage of the disaster. SPIKE LEE you sure put something on my mind!
nothing can prepare you
lee_eisenberg28 December 2006
I was with my host family in St. Petersburg, Russia, when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. As we watched it on the news, I was absolutely ashamed. Even if I couldn't understand every word, I could see what it looked like, and I didn't know how to explain to my host family the fact that my government abandoned the people of New Orleans.
Well, even just seeing it on TV and reading about it through e-mails and over the Internet didn't prepare me for what I saw in Spike Lee's documentary "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts". When I saw just what everything looked like, I was horrified. Aside from the fact that the Crescent City will probably never be the same, the documentary makes clear that this was another example of those in charge screwing the people (certainly that looked like the case during the 1927 flood).
Any logical-minded person would have to agree that George W. Bush playing the guitar while New Orleans drowned was the same sort of thing as Nero playing his fiddle while Rome burned, or Marie Antoinette saying "Let them eat cake.": it was the ultimate display of not caring. But the New Orleanians interviewed weren't neutral: that one boy was very clear about what the city needed.
I liked how Spike Lee interviewed various figures (Ray Nagin, Kathleen Blanco, etc.) to get their opinions on what what went wrong, even if they sometimes blamed each other. Of course, the biggest blame lies with the Bush administration for its racism, inaction, and starving of government programs (never mind that he'd sent the National Guard to Iraq to fight his vile war). As Rev. Al Sharpton put it, we're supposed to be spreading democracy to Iraq while the people here got nothing.
All in all, this just might be Spike Lee's best work ever. It just goes to show what the US government had degenerated into. For the record, Harry Belafonte mentioned how Venezuela's Hugo Chavez had offered New Orleans help; I remember while I was in St. Petersburg reading on the Internet that Cuba's government also offered help (the Bush administration didn't respond, natch). Also while I was in St. Petersburg, I read about Bob Denver's death on 2 September 2005; it turned out that that was the same day that Bush commended FEMA head Michael Brown for "doing a heckuva job". So the last thing that Bob Denver got to see before dying was Bush praising incompetence (even if it wasn't specifically Brown's fault).
All in all, a great documentary. And I laud Kanye West for reminding everyone that George W. Bush doesn't care about black people.
Well, even just seeing it on TV and reading about it through e-mails and over the Internet didn't prepare me for what I saw in Spike Lee's documentary "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts". When I saw just what everything looked like, I was horrified. Aside from the fact that the Crescent City will probably never be the same, the documentary makes clear that this was another example of those in charge screwing the people (certainly that looked like the case during the 1927 flood).
Any logical-minded person would have to agree that George W. Bush playing the guitar while New Orleans drowned was the same sort of thing as Nero playing his fiddle while Rome burned, or Marie Antoinette saying "Let them eat cake.": it was the ultimate display of not caring. But the New Orleanians interviewed weren't neutral: that one boy was very clear about what the city needed.
I liked how Spike Lee interviewed various figures (Ray Nagin, Kathleen Blanco, etc.) to get their opinions on what what went wrong, even if they sometimes blamed each other. Of course, the biggest blame lies with the Bush administration for its racism, inaction, and starving of government programs (never mind that he'd sent the National Guard to Iraq to fight his vile war). As Rev. Al Sharpton put it, we're supposed to be spreading democracy to Iraq while the people here got nothing.
All in all, this just might be Spike Lee's best work ever. It just goes to show what the US government had degenerated into. For the record, Harry Belafonte mentioned how Venezuela's Hugo Chavez had offered New Orleans help; I remember while I was in St. Petersburg reading on the Internet that Cuba's government also offered help (the Bush administration didn't respond, natch). Also while I was in St. Petersburg, I read about Bob Denver's death on 2 September 2005; it turned out that that was the same day that Bush commended FEMA head Michael Brown for "doing a heckuva job". So the last thing that Bob Denver got to see before dying was Bush praising incompetence (even if it wasn't specifically Brown's fault).
All in all, a great documentary. And I laud Kanye West for reminding everyone that George W. Bush doesn't care about black people.
An amazing look at modern history
dayzeeclarke22 August 2006
Spike Lee was certainly the right person to make this documentary. The tidbits I watched unfold on the news as it was happening were horrifying enough. To see the 2-hour story, with emotional and heated commentary from diverse residents representing many communities, Mayor Nagin, the CNN Newscaster,and more was devastating! It is hard to digest the government's third-world response, as though New Orleans is some unknown town, hidden and off the map.
I've wanted to believe that I am a citizen of one of the most powerful places in the world, jointly connected to and equally as important as any other citizen in America. This documentary was all too telling that Black people are still at the back of the bus - if on the bus at all.
Thank you for bringing this all too-telling piece of modern history to the fore-front of our annals.
I've wanted to believe that I am a citizen of one of the most powerful places in the world, jointly connected to and equally as important as any other citizen in America. This documentary was all too telling that Black people are still at the back of the bus - if on the bus at all.
Thank you for bringing this all too-telling piece of modern history to the fore-front of our annals.
Fine film-making
filmaker200229 August 2006
I am a fan of Spike Lee's, but have been disappointed with some of his latest films. However, this film is the first documentary that truly feels real. I am from Los Angeles, and was in Iraq when Katrina destroyed New Orleans, so I never truly understood what happened in the Gulf Coast, other than that it was tragedy, and some one in our government dropped the ball. I watched When the Levees Broke in one 4 1/2 hour sitting, and I was moved from beginning to end. The first 2 hours frightened me in ways that no other film has ever come close to. For the first time, I felt like a helpless child in the hands of incompetence, and if this is what I felt like watching the travesty, then what the hurricane victims felt was beyond my comprehension. The first two acts were truly disturbing, but Lee does a fantastic job of showing the optimism of the residents of New Orleans in the final two acts. After all the chaos and uncertainty that they faced, the residents are still showing courage and determination that most would not be able to summon after such tragedies. When the film concluded, I was not sad any more, but eager: I was eager to see what great things these people would accomplish as they rebuild the land they love. When the Levees Broke is a wonderful, inspirational story about loving and losing, fear and determination, and every human emotion in between. But most importantly, it is a film about the human spirit, and the will to survive.
the cable TV documentary event of the year; one of Spike Lee's very best
Quinoa198410 September 2006
I probably would have seen any such an epic length documentary on the Katrina disaster of 2005, as at four hours any filmmaker would have enough time to dig deep into the emotional, intellectual, and just overall human stories and experiences. To have Spike Lee doing it, my first thought was 'hmm, what theories might he cook up this time, lets see.' But it doesn't turn out that way really. He sticks to it being a story really about the people, about the nature of such a catastrophe- America's greatest on such a level of a hurricane's wrath on a city- and how it all ends up stemming to incompetence on varying levels (if not all) of governments- particularly federal- and the so-called levees themselves.
Lee does decide in his four hours to omit interviews and footage from primarily the French quarter. Then again, that was the section that got the least harm from what happened. A documentarian does have to have if not a bias then a distinct point of view, and Lee's point of view ends up stretching far and wide in When the Levees Broke, but it's core focus is on the hundreds of thousands- possibly over a million- who got affected in New Orleans and on the gulf coast.
It's hard to pinpoint all of the points where I thought 'that's a very great point' or 'that's almost too much' or when something just struck me as shocking. In such a running time, Lee tells practically everything there can be told: the lead up to the hurricane and those who did and those who didn't (or couldn't) leave; the hurricane itself striking down; the levees first breaching, and whether it was caused by explosions (which it wasn't, a facet I didn't need a documentary to conspire which is smart on Lee's part); the immediate turmoil for the droves and droves of African-Americans and others in the lower classes (though predominantly the former) without safety, and in the atrocious conditions of the Superdome. And from here in the other Acts, the history and true cultural significance of the city itself; the problems that occurred and still occur from people now still in New Orleans without homes, without even trailers, and the insurance issues; the environmental impact of global warming and the major part of the wetlands.
Amid all this, moments that really did affect me, like only a handful of documentaries have done in the past several years, have been when people tell of being split apart into different lines, separated across the country from each other after getting away from the city, like something out of a war or the holocaust. The shots of the dead bodies not tended to or taken away by the army, which almost reminded me of the power- only this time all too true- that I had watching the climax of Kagemusha. And Lee does spend a good amount of time showing people getting extremely emotional, sobbing on camera, and its never manipulative. One might think 'this is a little too much', but for the subject matter it isn't.
And finally, it gets back to the governments themselves, and the anger that is continuous and intensified by FEMA, Michael Chertoff, Bush, et all, with the Mayor and Governor under the pressures of waiting in those five first days on the delayed response. The point of view of When the Levees Broke is pretty clear on this matter, which shouldn't be too much of a shocker as America saw what was happening with the federal response at the time. Lee handles this expertly by letting the little bits speak for themselves from Bush and Michael Brown, one especially from the latter where he stares, deer-in-the-headlights style, not able to answer the questions of a more-prepared CNN newscaster. So, in all, in the four hour running time nothing is left to chance to forget for the points the filmmaker wants to make. But whatever you think of Lee's other films, this could be marked really as a true exception to more of his controversial films.
There is little that should be seen controversial in When the Levees Broke. It's got dozens of interviews with people who lived there, lost people there, and have had hope crushed or try to persevere. Though lengthy, it should be seen by Americans if they can see it on HBO or later on DVD; it's about losing faith in humanity, trying to regain it again, and all in the current state of a country where, as Winton Marsalis said, is at a crucial point in history when it's at its worst, and people need to take a look, flaws and all, in the mirror. Extremely well crafted.
Lee does decide in his four hours to omit interviews and footage from primarily the French quarter. Then again, that was the section that got the least harm from what happened. A documentarian does have to have if not a bias then a distinct point of view, and Lee's point of view ends up stretching far and wide in When the Levees Broke, but it's core focus is on the hundreds of thousands- possibly over a million- who got affected in New Orleans and on the gulf coast.
It's hard to pinpoint all of the points where I thought 'that's a very great point' or 'that's almost too much' or when something just struck me as shocking. In such a running time, Lee tells practically everything there can be told: the lead up to the hurricane and those who did and those who didn't (or couldn't) leave; the hurricane itself striking down; the levees first breaching, and whether it was caused by explosions (which it wasn't, a facet I didn't need a documentary to conspire which is smart on Lee's part); the immediate turmoil for the droves and droves of African-Americans and others in the lower classes (though predominantly the former) without safety, and in the atrocious conditions of the Superdome. And from here in the other Acts, the history and true cultural significance of the city itself; the problems that occurred and still occur from people now still in New Orleans without homes, without even trailers, and the insurance issues; the environmental impact of global warming and the major part of the wetlands.
Amid all this, moments that really did affect me, like only a handful of documentaries have done in the past several years, have been when people tell of being split apart into different lines, separated across the country from each other after getting away from the city, like something out of a war or the holocaust. The shots of the dead bodies not tended to or taken away by the army, which almost reminded me of the power- only this time all too true- that I had watching the climax of Kagemusha. And Lee does spend a good amount of time showing people getting extremely emotional, sobbing on camera, and its never manipulative. One might think 'this is a little too much', but for the subject matter it isn't.
And finally, it gets back to the governments themselves, and the anger that is continuous and intensified by FEMA, Michael Chertoff, Bush, et all, with the Mayor and Governor under the pressures of waiting in those five first days on the delayed response. The point of view of When the Levees Broke is pretty clear on this matter, which shouldn't be too much of a shocker as America saw what was happening with the federal response at the time. Lee handles this expertly by letting the little bits speak for themselves from Bush and Michael Brown, one especially from the latter where he stares, deer-in-the-headlights style, not able to answer the questions of a more-prepared CNN newscaster. So, in all, in the four hour running time nothing is left to chance to forget for the points the filmmaker wants to make. But whatever you think of Lee's other films, this could be marked really as a true exception to more of his controversial films.
There is little that should be seen controversial in When the Levees Broke. It's got dozens of interviews with people who lived there, lost people there, and have had hope crushed or try to persevere. Though lengthy, it should be seen by Americans if they can see it on HBO or later on DVD; it's about losing faith in humanity, trying to regain it again, and all in the current state of a country where, as Winton Marsalis said, is at a crucial point in history when it's at its worst, and people need to take a look, flaws and all, in the mirror. Extremely well crafted.
Powerful, important
editorlisa7 September 2006
Spike Lee has an uncanny ability to see and convey truth through film, and a compassionate, warm heart for fellow humans. When training his lens on the devastation that was Hurricane Katrina, the result is one of the most touching movies I've seen this year. As a resident of the Coasts who's never been to New Orleans, I was as shocked and disheartened as the rest of the country when Katrina first happened. But also like the rest of the country, I moved on fairly quickly. "When the Levees Broke" reminded me that the citizens of New Orleans are still dealing with the aftermath of the worst natural disaster in American history, and still need our help. This film NEEDS to be seen, by those who might be healed just a little bit by seeing it, and by those, like me, who had forgotten.
Having lived the storm myself!
johnni-dycus5 October 2006
After seeing this movie, I feel completely betrayed by the United States government and the government of Louisiana. I am from a town right outside of New Orleans (on the Northshore of Lake Pontchatrain) and my town endured much devastation and many people lost their lives. I think that this movie is a great opportunity for Spike Lee to show everyone in the United States that Hurricane Katrina still haunts the lives that it affected 1 year ago, including myself. Many people do not understand the magnitude of this storm and until you smell it, see it in person, and live it YOU WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND. To see the vice president fishing, and Rice shopping in New York just days after the devastation is very unwelcoming but sometimes I believe that at one point, there was nothing that could be done because this country was not ready for a hurricane like this and they never did expect it. But indeed, this movie can give a person a slim sense of what we endured. THe graphics were horrible and very graphic but they were a good touch as to visual understanding of the situation. Many rumors are still circulating about this storm but in my opinion, they will never really get to the end of it. The storm is over and there is no turning back time so pointing fingers is a waste of time. I believe the government needs to focus on the future and the rebuilding process of New Orleans and the other areas who were severely devastated. I give this movie 2 thumbs up because having witnessed the devastation first hand I believe Spike Lee did an extraordinary job to create a documentary that covers all aspects of this storm.
Honesty
inpencil24 August 2006
Mr. Lee;
Thank you for the documentary we really needed it. So many of us were so misinformed. Thank You so much NOLA citizens for your honesty and courage to tell the truth and let America know that this was not just about African Americans; it was about Americans. The media was so awful; Refugees. We are American citizens. Why did we get so self centered and not allow other countries to assist us; we always run to other countries aide. Where are we right now. How many service members live in NOLA? Why no one was allowed to assist us? I am so upset and disappointed. I have been in Mortgage Banking industry over 20 yrs and the scam that the hazard insurance companies and mortgage companies are pulling is just a crock of crap. I just so sick!!!!!!! I donot want to even tell people in my travels that I am from America.
Thank you for the documentary we really needed it. So many of us were so misinformed. Thank You so much NOLA citizens for your honesty and courage to tell the truth and let America know that this was not just about African Americans; it was about Americans. The media was so awful; Refugees. We are American citizens. Why did we get so self centered and not allow other countries to assist us; we always run to other countries aide. Where are we right now. How many service members live in NOLA? Why no one was allowed to assist us? I am so upset and disappointed. I have been in Mortgage Banking industry over 20 yrs and the scam that the hazard insurance companies and mortgage companies are pulling is just a crock of crap. I just so sick!!!!!!! I donot want to even tell people in my travels that I am from America.
God Bless New Orleans
devans-277 September 2006
We have visited New Orleans numerous times, my brother in law lives in Slidell. Our most recent visit was Feb 06. Words and photos cannot show the pain. This documentary is the only footage I have seen that has even come close to relaying the devastation. Mr. Lee - you have done an extraordinary job. You have allowed frustrations and heartache to be seen, heard and felt. You took us through so many emotions, I cried and I laughed. You portrayed what no one else could - the heart and soul that is New Orleans, even after such a disaster. This is a movie that will be treasured forever by everyone, touched by Katrina or not. Thank you for giving us all a chance to see the chaos first hand - maybe now those blessed souls will get the help they have earned and deserve.
Spike Lee documents the torment of the New Orleans people hit hardest by Katrina
roland-1045 February 2007
Spike Lee tells the story of Hurricane Katrina's toll on the people of New Orleans in this long film made for an HBO miniseries, a highly detailed account of the disaster, its antecedents and its continuing impact on the survivors. Lee has utilized a vast trove of archival footage, shot much new material, and interviewed around 100 individuals from victims to political leaders and engineers. The version that aired on television consists of four "acts," spanning 255 minutes cumulative running time; the DVD adds an "act V Next Movement" another hour or so composed exclusively of further material from the interviews.
The story, of course, is familiar to all of us in both its broad outline and many of the details presented here. But Lee succeeds in elaborating upon the suffering, frustrations, and often half concealed truths of the story in a manner that far exceeds what came to us through the conventional media, with its usual foreshortened reportage. It is a monumental accomplishment, a journalistic tour de force that is unparalleled in its depth and poignancy.
We do learn new things. In one glaring instance, we are told that armed vigilantes formed human barriers to prevent the exodus of those departing flooded areas into a drier, safer place. We see evidence at every turn of the pathetically inadequate responses of local, state and federal government. In particular we get a first hand look at the absurdity of FEMA efforts, especially the horrid trailers that usually have been delivered too late, and, even then, are too often unfit to live in.
We get a fuller picture than before of the flimsiness of the barriers to water surge erected by the Army Corps of Engineers: silly, thin little walls planted with insufficient depth, virtually begging to be knocked down, where instead broad earthen levees were needed. We are confronted by the deep pain of people returning to inspect houses that are beyond repair, filled with ugly piles of goods where once orderly rooms of furniture and other belongings had their place. The insides of these places - piled full of gruesome messes of detritus that once were articles of furniture, appliances and beloved possessions, as if some hostile giant had savagely shaken the places while holding them under water look horridly alike.
The story goes agonizingly along. And we come away wondering whether a disaster of this magnitude, had it occurred in a community not so heavily composed of underclass folks, primarily people of color, would have evoked a swifter, more supportive, and more effective response by government agencies and private insurers.
Many among those interviewed have profoundly troubling stories to tell and several tales of courage and generosity. Among the most memorable voices to me were: civil engineering professor Robert Bea; composer Terence Blanchard; historian Douglas Brinkley; trial attorney Joseph Bruno; state medical examiner Louis Cataldie; Eddie Compass, former N.O. police chief; Calvin Mackie, Tulane engineering professor, speaking of the deaths of his parents seemingly brought on by the catastrophe; Wynton Marsalis; Mother Audrey Mason, who tells Barbara Bush a thing or two; Times-Picayune City Editor David Meeks; CNN reporter Soledad O'Brien; Sean Penn, recounting his personal efforts to save people stranded in their homes; actor Wendell Pierce; local radio commentator Garland Robinette; and minister Elder William Walker, Jr.
Among other displaced survivors not so well known, some of the most arresting in their responses are Terence Blanchard's mother, Wilhelmina; Phyllis Montana LeBlanc, who recites her harsh poem about the event; Judith Morgan and Cheryl Livaudais, who deliver a shrill duet of nonstop slashing criticism of the whole post-storm relief effort; Kimberly Polk, who lost her 5 year old daughter; Michael Seelig I could go on and on
Lee's focus is selective. He touches lightly on the technical and engineering issues. He offers no real analysis of the political and bureaucratic problems hampering relief efforts. He doesn't follow the story of the health care crisis or allegations of euthanasia in several cases. He doesn't follow people exiled to other cities and states to see first hand how they are faring.
Lee also doesn't mention the jockeying of developers, lobbyists and politicians scheming to make money off the rebuilding process. The material Lee uses to highlight the conduct of civic leaders is closely cropped, no more comprehensive than the best news shows offered at the time. No, Lee's lens remains for the most part fixed on the suffering of the people black, white, and mostly poor.
The quality of the photography is highly variable, as you expect when footage is extracted from many sources. But the editing is generally very good. The music is a mixed bag. There are famous tunes, like Fats Domino's "Walking to New Orleans" and the traditional "St. James Infirmary" sung, surprisingly, by Marsalis. There's footage of a wonderful funeral band processing along the street in "act IV."
Theme music that reoccurs throughout the entire series is from the recent movie, "Inside Man," composed by New Orleans' Terence Blanchard, the same man already mentioned among notable interviewees. Blanchard has worked with Spike Lee for years, doing the music on most of Lee 's film projects. His score in this instance is entirely fitting: it is elegiac, funereal, slowly paced, often rendered with a spare unaccompanied piano. But for some obscure reason Lee's sound mixer often decides to suddenly ratchet up the volume to the point that it can drown out what interviewees are saying and even feel enervating and painful to the ear. So one must sit with remote control in hand, constantly on the alert to turn the volume down, then later back up, to contend with this bothersome phenomenon.
Despite its selective focus and the sound problems, overall this unique production is one that no informed citizen will want to miss. My grades: 8/10 (B+) (DVD seen on 02/03/07)
The story, of course, is familiar to all of us in both its broad outline and many of the details presented here. But Lee succeeds in elaborating upon the suffering, frustrations, and often half concealed truths of the story in a manner that far exceeds what came to us through the conventional media, with its usual foreshortened reportage. It is a monumental accomplishment, a journalistic tour de force that is unparalleled in its depth and poignancy.
We do learn new things. In one glaring instance, we are told that armed vigilantes formed human barriers to prevent the exodus of those departing flooded areas into a drier, safer place. We see evidence at every turn of the pathetically inadequate responses of local, state and federal government. In particular we get a first hand look at the absurdity of FEMA efforts, especially the horrid trailers that usually have been delivered too late, and, even then, are too often unfit to live in.
We get a fuller picture than before of the flimsiness of the barriers to water surge erected by the Army Corps of Engineers: silly, thin little walls planted with insufficient depth, virtually begging to be knocked down, where instead broad earthen levees were needed. We are confronted by the deep pain of people returning to inspect houses that are beyond repair, filled with ugly piles of goods where once orderly rooms of furniture and other belongings had their place. The insides of these places - piled full of gruesome messes of detritus that once were articles of furniture, appliances and beloved possessions, as if some hostile giant had savagely shaken the places while holding them under water look horridly alike.
The story goes agonizingly along. And we come away wondering whether a disaster of this magnitude, had it occurred in a community not so heavily composed of underclass folks, primarily people of color, would have evoked a swifter, more supportive, and more effective response by government agencies and private insurers.
Many among those interviewed have profoundly troubling stories to tell and several tales of courage and generosity. Among the most memorable voices to me were: civil engineering professor Robert Bea; composer Terence Blanchard; historian Douglas Brinkley; trial attorney Joseph Bruno; state medical examiner Louis Cataldie; Eddie Compass, former N.O. police chief; Calvin Mackie, Tulane engineering professor, speaking of the deaths of his parents seemingly brought on by the catastrophe; Wynton Marsalis; Mother Audrey Mason, who tells Barbara Bush a thing or two; Times-Picayune City Editor David Meeks; CNN reporter Soledad O'Brien; Sean Penn, recounting his personal efforts to save people stranded in their homes; actor Wendell Pierce; local radio commentator Garland Robinette; and minister Elder William Walker, Jr.
Among other displaced survivors not so well known, some of the most arresting in their responses are Terence Blanchard's mother, Wilhelmina; Phyllis Montana LeBlanc, who recites her harsh poem about the event; Judith Morgan and Cheryl Livaudais, who deliver a shrill duet of nonstop slashing criticism of the whole post-storm relief effort; Kimberly Polk, who lost her 5 year old daughter; Michael Seelig I could go on and on
Lee's focus is selective. He touches lightly on the technical and engineering issues. He offers no real analysis of the political and bureaucratic problems hampering relief efforts. He doesn't follow the story of the health care crisis or allegations of euthanasia in several cases. He doesn't follow people exiled to other cities and states to see first hand how they are faring.
Lee also doesn't mention the jockeying of developers, lobbyists and politicians scheming to make money off the rebuilding process. The material Lee uses to highlight the conduct of civic leaders is closely cropped, no more comprehensive than the best news shows offered at the time. No, Lee's lens remains for the most part fixed on the suffering of the people black, white, and mostly poor.
The quality of the photography is highly variable, as you expect when footage is extracted from many sources. But the editing is generally very good. The music is a mixed bag. There are famous tunes, like Fats Domino's "Walking to New Orleans" and the traditional "St. James Infirmary" sung, surprisingly, by Marsalis. There's footage of a wonderful funeral band processing along the street in "act IV."
Theme music that reoccurs throughout the entire series is from the recent movie, "Inside Man," composed by New Orleans' Terence Blanchard, the same man already mentioned among notable interviewees. Blanchard has worked with Spike Lee for years, doing the music on most of Lee 's film projects. His score in this instance is entirely fitting: it is elegiac, funereal, slowly paced, often rendered with a spare unaccompanied piano. But for some obscure reason Lee's sound mixer often decides to suddenly ratchet up the volume to the point that it can drown out what interviewees are saying and even feel enervating and painful to the ear. So one must sit with remote control in hand, constantly on the alert to turn the volume down, then later back up, to contend with this bothersome phenomenon.
Despite its selective focus and the sound problems, overall this unique production is one that no informed citizen will want to miss. My grades: 8/10 (B+) (DVD seen on 02/03/07)
Rough, Rugged & Raw
ThatMonkey18 February 2007
Educational, Entertaining and Engaging. See what the news couldn't show you. Find out what key people had too say as the story unfolded, uncensored. Find out about the political side of Katrina.
If you can even spell Louissana, you need to see this movie. Gripping interviews from all sides. Blacks, whites, residents and influential figures. Get to know these people. Be a spirit around the city and Mr. Lee takes you on a journey that will give you a bitter taste of what so many lived through.
Stagering facts, stats and images will haunt you and you will learn a new meaning of 911.
If you can even spell Louissana, you need to see this movie. Gripping interviews from all sides. Blacks, whites, residents and influential figures. Get to know these people. Be a spirit around the city and Mr. Lee takes you on a journey that will give you a bitter taste of what so many lived through.
Stagering facts, stats and images will haunt you and you will learn a new meaning of 911.
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