CONTROL ROOM
A documentary directed by Jehane Noujaim that
takes the viewer inside the workings of the Arab
world's largest and most watched news
network, Al Jazeera. The bulk of the coverage is
Al Jazeera's take on the Iraq War. And, as you
might suspect, it is quite critical of the US role in
the conflict. Still, it is a very interesting glimpse
at the war room of a powerful media force in the
Middle East. The news people (Hani Salama,
Hassan Ibrahim, Samir Khader, Deema Khatib,
Tom Mintier) all play themselves and the station
itself is one big set for the film.
The hustle and bustle of the international news
business comes alive as events and stories
about the War unfold right before our eyes. The
slant and the take on the stories may be
unsettling as you see how another part of the
world looks at the situation in Iraq.
takes the viewer inside the workings of the Arab
world's largest and most watched news
network, Al Jazeera. The bulk of the coverage is
Al Jazeera's take on the Iraq War. And, as you
might suspect, it is quite critical of the US role in
the conflict. Still, it is a very interesting glimpse
at the war room of a powerful media force in the
Middle East. The news people (Hani Salama,
Hassan Ibrahim, Samir Khader, Deema Khatib,
Tom Mintier) all play themselves and the station
itself is one big set for the film.
The hustle and bustle of the international news
business comes alive as events and stories
about the War unfold right before our eyes. The
slant and the take on the stories may be
unsettling as you see how another part of the
world looks at the situation in Iraq.
Brenda’s comments
Jason Bourne is a cool, calm killing
machine, and Matt Damon plays the part
well. No showboating, just the trained
moves of a professional killer. Everything
about the film is steady except the camera.
I'm aware that this cinematography "look"
is popular, but to me, it is a distraction. This
Bourne-again movie has all of the thrill of
the first, but can stand alone, if necessary,
in the plot department.
Jason Bourne is a cool, calm killing
machine, and Matt Damon plays the part
well. No showboating, just the trained
moves of a professional killer. Everything
about the film is steady except the camera.
I'm aware that this cinematography "look"
is popular, but to me, it is a distraction. This
Bourne-again movie has all of the thrill of
the first, but can stand alone, if necessary,
in the plot department.
Mary’s comments
Always know your enemies better than you
know your friends. And in this case, know
the coverage that your enemies are
receiving. News is big business in any
language and culture. It can shape opinions
and solidify beliefs. Al Jazeera broadcasts
to millions of Arabic people daily and is the
primary source of news for many. See it.
It's important to know what's being
broadcast.
Always know your enemies better than you
know your friends. And in this case, know
the coverage that your enemies are
receiving. News is big business in any
language and culture. It can shape opinions
and solidify beliefs. Al Jazeera broadcasts
to millions of Arabic people daily and is the
primary source of news for many. See it.
It's important to know what's being
broadcast.
© 2003 St. Louis Movie Review Weekly. All rights reserved, except where indicated.
| ST. LOUIS MOVIE REVIEW WEEKLY Publishers: Brenda S. Ladd & Mary K. Morgan |
Movie Details
Official Movie Website
Theatrical Release
2004
Home Video
10/26//04
MPAA Rating
Not Rated
Running Time
1 hour 16 minutes
Directed by
Cast
Hassan Ibrahim, Samir
Khader, Deema Khatib
Studio
Magnoli Pictures
Theatrical Release
2004
Home Video
10/26//04
MPAA Rating
Not Rated
Running Time
1 hour 16 minutes
Directed by
Cast
Hassan Ibrahim, Samir
Khader, Deema Khatib
Studio
Magnoli Pictures
DVD Details
Disc Specs
Region 1
Keep Case
Audio
Dolby Digital Surround English
Subtitles English, Arabic, Spanish, French
Additional Release Material
Deleted Scenes
Audio Commentaries 1. Jehane Noujaim
-Director, Hami Salama Producer
2. Hassan Ibrahim, Samir Khader
Producers, Al Jazeera
3. Lt. Josh Rushing Central Command
Press Officer
Trailers
Original Theatrical Trailer
Region 1
Keep Case
Audio
Dolby Digital Surround English
Subtitles English, Arabic, Spanish, French
Additional Release Material
Deleted Scenes
Audio Commentaries 1. Jehane Noujaim
-Director, Hami Salama Producer
2. Hassan Ibrahim, Samir Khader
Producers, Al Jazeera
3. Lt. Josh Rushing Central Command
Press Officer
Trailers
Original Theatrical Trailer
