Film No. 54 (2022) July 13th. 6.20 PM Cinema 6. LUNA, Leederville.
"If I want to be the leader of a country, I have to organize people. I do not want Putin to lead my country anymore!" (Alexei Navalny answers the question about what he needs to do if he is to have influence).
Walking from this riveting, revealing documentary, I felt embarrassed that, prior to entering the cinema, I didn't know Alexei Navalnys current situation. I vaguely remember his return to Russia after recovering from an attempt on his life (poisoning) months prior, but then I lost interest. Now that I know (along with the reasons that he is where he is) I'm embarrassed I have not paid more attention to a man who should be placed in the same bracket as Nelsen Mandela for the human rights issues he stands for.
Navalny tells the story of a man who set out to uncover the corruption and suppression Vladimir Putin inflicts upon Russian society. It's a crime story, shot over 3 years, uncovering the bumbling methods Putin used to try to kill his enemy (Navalny). It also profiles Alexei, his clean-cut and loyal family, and the clever investigators who dedicate their minds and resources to him. Christo Grozev, an investigative reporter for Bellingcat, is particularly beguiling.
When it comes to the film's structure, Director Daniel Roher (GHOSTS OF OUR FOREST), takes an approach more akin to the set up for an intriguing podcast with pictures. This is in no way a criticism, because the key to film's mesmeric quality is wrapped around the man, his family, his entourage and the crime (his attempted assassination). Roher is never intrusive with his questions or his camera. He cleverly intersperses grabs from an interview he conducts with Alexei immediately after his recovery and just prior to his return to Russia. It keeps the substance of the fly on the wall investigative scenes more intriguing. These scenes are so confidential at the time that the people in the room must remain silent until the comprehensive, worldwide release of how the crime went down.
So what now? Navalny's story, in many ways, is only just the beginning. Considering the actions of Putin on Navalny's return to Russia, and the complete lack of trust younger Russians have for Putin, Navalny won't be forgotten in a hurry. The hate for Putin is increasing in numbers, particularly among the Gen Y's.
It's sad Navalny and his loving family have to sacrifice so much, but the final image of a shaven Navalny says so much. I'll be paying particular attention to his plight after this brilliant and most important feature. 11GUMS.
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