The Look of Silence

— There’s no denying that this is a great documentary and, maybe, the best of this year’s True/False Festival. It’s well made and concerns an important issue. Since Joshua Oppenheimer’s earlier film, “The Act of Killing”, was so successful and so haunting, a second film on the same subject seemed unnecessary, but “The Look of Silence” switches perspective to that of the victims instead of the instigators of a political massacre and in so doing may be more successful. In the end, even as the main character has confronted the past, the failure of those responsible for the Indonesian genocide to fully accept responsibility or have regret stands out. There are many subtle comments and actions—the texture of the film itself enhances the experience. This is an unsettling look at what man is capable of and how the human spirit copes. It’s troublesome and cathartic and worth everyone’s while to see.

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[2015. 82 min. Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer.]
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/look-silence-venice-review-728686