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The Riots 2011: One Week in August

The Riots 2011: One Week in August (2021)

Aug 09, 2021 1h 28m Documentary Crime

2011 saw the largest wave of disorder in the UK since the 1980s. This revelatory film hears from the people who experienced the riots up close and personal. A decade on, we look back at the summer of 2011 through the eyes of those whose lives have never been the same since. In a series of candid interviews, we hear the story from all angles. Convicted rioters, frontline police, a judge, a government advisor and a grieving father look back at that week in August, and the years that followed, to piece together what really happened and why.

Directed by James Jones

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • James Jones
Producer
  • Elliot Swinburn
  • James Jones
  • Naomi Notice

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Thematic Analysis

The Riots 2011: One Week in August represents a fascinating example of Documentary/Crime 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.

Director James Jones brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2021, 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 The Riots 2011: One Week in August took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 55 unique compositions.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 378 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2021, when this film is released:
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Riots 2011: One Week in August shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Heroin King of Baltimore: The Rise and Fall of Melvin Williams, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Riots 2011: One Week in August subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like A.I. At War and Pussy Riot: Rage Against Putin explore similar territory, The Riots 2011: One Week in August stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: August 9, 2021
  • Runtime: 1h 28m