About Baghdad Movie Response

About Baghdad Movie Response

Sinan Antoon’s 2004 documentary, About Baghdad, explores the thoughts and feelings of Iraqis following decades of oppression under Saddam Hussein, the fall of the city, and the current occupation by American troops. The film expresses many different opinions within Baghdad and presents viewers with images of modern day Iraqi society.

Although the opinions of the Iraqis differ greatly, it seems as though a majority of citizens of Baghdad are grateful for the fall of Saddam Hussein, but would prefer to govern themselves rather than be occupied by American forces. In their ideas and ambitions for their country, they show signs of hope for a brighter future; a stable government, adequate resources, and security of life are goals they believe are within reach. They exemplify an appreciation and a deep commitment to improving their society and the Iraqi nation as a whole.

The film presents a picture of the urban landscape of Baghdad. Many citizens are unemployed. There is nothing for them to do but sit and wait and walk back and forth. The streets are dangerous and so they cannot go out late at night. The image of the city completely deserted at 4 pm is a powerful one that speaks to the fear of crime and the lack of opportunity for the people. Electricity often goes out, water is scarce, the air is polluted, and oil is difficult to come by. But it seems that the damage and destruction stretches beyond the pollution and the depletion of resources. The social fabric of Iraqi society seems to be what has been most affected by the many years of oppression, sanctions, and occupation. The Iraqi people have been struggling for so many years to rebuild and regain control and strength, but the obstacles build and some of them believe that the current occupation is just another era of oppression and control. This opinion is exemplified by the statement of one person interviewed, who said, “They say that Baghdad fell, but it did not fall; it was occupied.”

Though this was a popular sentiment in the interviewees of the film, there were many others who expressed