By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Director: Dustin Scott; Rebert Perrea | John Gianvito | Thia Gonzalez
Country: united_states
Year: 2001
Running time: 168
IMDB: http://www.ttpix.org/programs_2001/features/mad_songs.htm
Michael says: “Here’s an ambitious, nearly three-hour film, shot entirely in New Mexico by a Boston resident that deserves an audience. It’s precisely the type of film that Chlotrudis Awards needs to find and honor. Unfortunately, only two of us on the Nominating Committee saw it.
“Director John Gianvito has created a story showing what it was like to be in America during and immediately after the Gulf War. He does this by weaving together three powerful stories, and by including both fictional and documentary elements that touch upon almost every aspect of the Gulf War from returning veterans, the commercialization of the war and anti-Arab racism in America.
“The first story, and certainly the most intriguing, revolves around a Mexican-American woman, Fernanda Hussein, whose unfortunate married name causes grief for her and her two children. When those children go missing, Fernanda fears the worst.
“The second story follows a teenager who becomes involved in a group called People for Peace who are against the war. This throws him into direct opposition with his parents and force him onto the streets. The last story shows us a veteran of the war, and his return to civilian life. Carlos has difficulty accepting his new place in society and grows increasingly more irritated by the ubiquitous question, ‘How many of those Arabs did you kill?’
“Gianvito weaves together some incredibly arresting images throughout his narrative. The acting ranges from adequate to adept. The teenager’s story suffers a bit from its idealistic autobiographical nature. Yet the very fact that he successfully created this powerful film, with its intense imagery and scope, with next to no money is more than worth a look.”