10/22/06 C.S.A.: The Confederate States Of America

C.S.A.: The Confederate States Of America (2004), directed by Kevin Willmott

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (North American Video) @ home

Here comes a nice hearty piece of controversial filmmaking that is sure to cause some discussions at the dinner table, and perhaps provide a case of upset stomach (heartburn, indigestion or diarrhea...take your pick) that no Pepto-Bismol can soothe. That upset tummy can be caused by many a great things...it could be the tension that you could feel for watching this controversial material, or acid reflux disease, or cramps from laughing hysterically throughout the film, or did you ever look to your own family genetics?! In any case, this film has been known to kick up some emotions and discussions, showing the true mark of art. Directed by newcomer (and University of Kansas film professor) Willmott, and the added spice of Spike Lee attaching his name as a producer...you can bet to be in for a different treat here. In one of the more bizarre cases of "what if?", we follow this faux-documentary-style film about the modern state of America had the South won the war with its Confederacy...as through the eyes of a British news television show. If that isn't complex enough for you to wrap your head around...throw in some dashes of "Saturday Night Live," "The Daily Show," and "Chappelle's Show" for good comedic measure. You take a difficult period of America's shameful past in slavery, and the Civil War that was to forever decide the way the country was to proceed in society...and flip it on its ear. What you have left is a provocative, satirical, dark and sometimes frightening look at people and history. By taking an "outsider" approach to reporting the mockumentary as an educational tool, the filmmakers (both within the picture and in real-life) pry deep into the prejudices and racial tensions that have always remained in our culture in some way or form. The retelling of the Civil War with the Confederacy victorious follows the logical (or rather illogical) progression of slavery in America, where & exactly what it would be today; the banishing of so-called "heroes" (like Abraham Lincoln) in our world as "radical extremists" to Canada for fear of persecution; and the past 100 years shown historically through a racist perspective. Every major event in American history (i.e. Reconstruction, the Depression, two World Wars, Civil Rights Movement) is duly affected by this tragic outcome...and I'm not just implying this is tragic because it was the South who won (I have deep roots in the Southern states, as well as deep family roots in the Northeastern ones), but the fact that the reasoning behind that win is one of racial/social/human injustice. That we all know to be a tragedy, and if you don't think so, you're a bigot and the butt of this attempt of a in-your-ignorant-face joke. Interspliced throughout the "historical" documentary are ridiculous faux TV commercials that support racist products and slogans (most of which are true marketing motives that had been or are still used in culture today, despite their connotations), that seem like they are straight out of any skit-comedy show that has balls. However, despite all the strong statements that the film tries to make and the comedy that inevitably seeps out of over-the-top satire...the film leaves you wanting a bit more substance. Don't get me wrong, its a ballsy move and hits some important points, and is quite funny in parts...but I think more could have been accomplished. Not bad for a low-budget fare, and it will no doubt spark coversation...and a few stomach aches.

3 out of 5 stars