Review of Standard Operating Procedure (2013) by Sandro B — 14 Jan 2009

Another great errol morris documentary. I probably would have liked it more if I had not read the book by morris and gourevitch. I realize that the book is more of a companion piece, but I appreciated the book's retelling of what led up to the events captured on camera.

I felt that the clusterfuck way in which this and other prisons were implemented was important to set the stage for the mentality and the events that followed. that being said, this is an important film.

whereas I found myself wanting to know more about the systemic aspects of the abu ghraib scandal, morris seems more interested in understanding how these otherwise normal kids did what they did without reporting it, even when they all admit freely that they knew it to be ethically, morally, and legally wrong.

I think it's important to document this. as the film illustrates, we only know a little from the photographs that circulated. you don't see outside the frame. there are whole other stories to be told.

some of them lessen the impact of the photos, whereas some exacerbate. I believe the most chilling aspect of this is what is considered 'standard operating procedure' in legal terms. most of what we found so appalling in these photos was not considered to be wrong by military standards.

I wish more people would see this film, if only to have a better understanding of what happens to us in times of war, and how our actions echo throughout the world and throughout history, usually overshadowing any and all good that we have done.