Can "The Look of Silence" Top Its Predecessor?

In 2013, director Joshua Oppenheimer released a documentary that was rather revolutionary to the medium. The Act of Killing took on the subject of Indonesian genocide from the unlikeliest of angles. Using the central figures in the historical genocide, he had them reenact the events in a Hollywood-esque production that included genre motifs. The results were staggering, sometimes tragic and comic, and unveiled something impressive in the documentary structure. This Friday marks the release of the companion piece The Look of Silence, which promises to discuss the same events, but from the innocent public's perspective. Is it possible that the filmmaker has another masterpiece on his hands?

"The Look of Silence" Trailer Promises a Great Follow-up from Oppenheimer

In 2013, director Joshua Oppenheimer released a documentary that will likely come to redefine how the format is shot. Following Anwar Congo, he filmed a story of his militant power restaging events during the Indonesian genocide from decades past. In the process, it opened up Congo and his crew in haunting ways that were candid and full of fascinating results. With his follow-up, he has chosen to show the other side: the victims. With the success of The Act of Killing firmly placing Oppenheimer as a master documentarian, how will The Look of Silence help to present a more rounded picture of a tragedy that not too many Americans knew too much about?

A Look at the Best Documentary Feature Category Contenders

From Stories We Tell

It was announced today that the Academy has released the final 15 films eligible in the Best Documentary Feature category. In one of the more obscure races in the annual ceremony, the category looks to highlight films that are both informative as well as potentially life changing. It may be one of the few significant categories that most people aren't familiar of whenever the telecast happens. As years have gone on, I have become more and more invested in the runnings, and sure enough, this year has quite a few interesting selections. Read more to find out what they are as well as a few thoughts on the films.