Rating: NNN
Heavy Metal In Baghdad (Alliance, 2007) D: Suroosh Alvi, Eddy Moretti, w/ members of Acrassicauda. Rating: NNN. DVD package: NNN
From the moment directors Suroosh Alvi and Eddy Moretti arrive in Baghdad in 2006, fear takes over the movie. That’s the real point here, not the music. To the question “Why heavy metal?” one of the members of Acrassicauda, Iraq’s only metal band, replies, “Because we’re living in fucking heavy metal.”
He’s not joking or posturing. A life of bombs, daily shootings and the certain knowledge that they can be killed at any time for any reason – or none – have left Firas and Faisal (bass and rhythm/vocals respectively and the film’s key interviews) tense to the bone and filled with rage and despair.
Alvi and Moretti aren’t polished filmmakers or journalists. The movie lacks context, background and interviews with family, friends and officials. No one wants to talk, and filming on the street can get you killed. But Firas and Faisal are the story, and provide all you need to know about life in Baghdad.
Don’t miss it, whatever you think about Iraq.
EXTRAS Heavy Metal In Istanbul doc, deleted and alternate scenes, performance footage. Booklet with magazine article, filmmakers interview, more. Widescreen. English and Farsi audio. English subtitles.
