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Shutdown: The Rise and Fall of Direct Action to Stop the War

Shutdown: The Rise and Fall of Direct Action to Stop the War (2009)

May 01, 2009 45m Documentary History

In the winter of 2002-'03, as the US was building its case to attack Iraq, people around the world responded with a series fo the largest peace protests in history. Shutdown: The Rise and Fall of Direct Action to Stop the War, is an action-packed documentary chronicling how DASW successfully organized to shut down a major US city and how they failed to effectively maintain the organization to fight the war machine and end the occupation of Iraq. Created by organizers involved with DASW, Shutdown combines detailed information on organizing for a mass action, critical interviews on organizing pitfalls, and the wisdom of hindsight. It is a must-see film for those engaged in the continuous struggle toward social justice.

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Thematic Analysis

Shutdown: The Rise and Fall of Direct Action to Stop the War represents a fascinating example of Documentary/History cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Released in 2009, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Shutdown: The Rise and Fall of Direct Action to Stop the War took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 45 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 99 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The musical score contains over 57 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2009, when this film is released:
  • Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
  • The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Shutdown: The Rise and Fall of Direct Action to Stop the War shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Big One, which focuses more on action than character development, Shutdown: The Rise and Fall of Direct Action to Stop the War subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Fahrenheit 9/11 and A Tale of Two Kitchens explore similar territory, Shutdown: The Rise and Fall of Direct Action to Stop the War stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: May 1, 2009
  • Runtime: 45m

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