Peter Watkins is arguably one of the most
underrated and under appreciated filmmakers of all time. His documentary
approach to fictional filmmaking is both unique and challenging in a way many
modern audiences may have become unaccustomed too.
Watkins career never saw him become a
mainstream director, his one studio production 1967’s Privilege was not a commercial success although it did not stop
Watkins from making several more films.
In this first episode of the Masters of
Cinema Cast Joakim and I will be discussing the Blu Ray re-release of his 1971
film Punishment Park.
It is a film that could hardly be described
as easy going wearing its political heart well and truly on its sleeve. It is
possibly the most angry of Watkins films too, the 60’s had come and gone and
the cultural and sociological revolution many had anticipated had failed to materialise.
Vietnam was still raging and even the Apollo moon landings were now barley
making the news.
Yet Punishment
Park is not merely a relic of its time. Even today it is still frightening pertinent
and in the wake of the War on Terror and the blurring of the lines of morality
remains as powerful now as it was on its release.
Where to download:
iTunes
Direct
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