[Film Impression] Waltz With Bashir

In today's modern era of 'shock & awe' media coverage of global wars, perhaps it is necessary to now use animation in any attempt to pierce audience's general apathy towards realities atrocities. Ari Folman explores this idea in his personal recollections of his time spent as an Israeli soldier in the early 80's conflict in Lebanon - a conflict which culminated in the massacre of thousands of Palestinian civilians by Christian Lebanese forces; under the watch of the Israeli military.

What gives this movie heavy impact is an interesting cinematic twist in the final few minutes: Folman cuts to real-life footage. This is a ploy which suggests his idea was to bring back the startling truth's contained in such real-life footage.

I believe this idea was achieved with haunting omnipotence. During the silence of the rolling credits, all that could be heard in the cinema were the shocking wails of a distraught woman in the 3rd aisle. The affect on the rest of the audience was an undeniable parallel between film, and it's purveyance of reality. A result I dare say was also knowingly orchestrated by Folman.

Waltz With Bashir was released in 2008, and is screening in selected cinemas nationally.