Review of Punishment Park (1971) by Jason M — 11 Jul 2007
This mock documentary from 1971 is even more prescient today, with Guantanamo Bay, Abu Grahb, the loss of certain civil liberties, yes it certainly sounds familiar. Peter Watkins film follows a group of individuals who are from the counterculture, they have been arrested as national security risks, they can either go to prison for 10-20 years, or spend 72 hours in punishment park.
This film could be viewed as propaganda, I suppose depending on your politics, but there is no denying the visceral power of Watkins film making. Punishment Park stands as a highwater mark of subversive political filmmaking.
A masterpiece.
This review of Punishment Park (1971) was written by Jason M on 11 Jul 2007.
Punishment Park has generally received very positive reviews.
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