Gillo Pontecorvo's dictatorship of the truth a legacy

Author: Riegler, Thomas

Source: Studies in European Cinema, Volume 6, Number 1, October 2009 , pp. 47-62(16)

Publisher: Intellect

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Abstract:

The article explores the impact and legacy of the dictatorship of the truth exemplified in Gillo Pontecorvo's The Battle of Algiers (1965). Its central claim of realism has left an extraordinary impact on viewers: the film was (and still is) seen as a truly authentic depiction of the Algerian FLN's successful struggle against French rule. Thus, The Battle of Algiers influenced leftwing revolutionary groups, but it was also screened at military academies for training in anti-guerrilla warfare. The image of the dictatorship of the truth has since grown to almost mythical proportions, while necessary questions about accuracy tended to be sidelined. Therefore, it is necessary to scrutinize its central claim offering a view of an historical event as it really was not only on matters of bias and historical accuracy, but also along the inherent limitations of cinematic realism.

Keywords: Gillo Pontecorvo; The Battle of Algiers; Algerian war of independence; dictatorship of the truth; cinematic realism; Italian cinema

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1386/seci.6.1.47/1

Publication date: 2009-10-01

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Studies in European Cinema provides an outlet for research into any aspect of European cinema and is unique in its interdisciplinary nature, celebrating the rich and diverse cultural heritage across the continent. The journal is distinctive in bringing together a range of European cinemas in one volume and in its positioning of the discussions within a range of contexts - the cultural, historical, textual, and many others.
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