Director Joshua Oppenheimer Discusses if ‘The End’ Is Truly Near

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As a lifelong film enthusiast and someone who has seen the harsh realities of humanity unfold both on and off the screen, Joshua Oppenheimer‘s latest masterpiece, “The End,” resonates deeply with me. This post-apocalyptic musical is not just a cautionary tale but a mirror reflecting our own actions and inactions.

Joshua Oppenheimer’s latest production, titled “The Final Act“, is a post-apocalyptic musical featuring Tilda Swinton, Michael Shannon, and George MacKay as a family residing in a bunker funded by a former oil tycoon portrayed by Shannon. This genre-blending, thought-provoking film seems to peer deeply into the hearts of contemporary earth dwellers, leaving an intense impression that feels like it’s piercing us. Despite the story taking place beyond humanity’s redemption, Oppenheimer believes we are not quite at that point, which is why “The End” was created in the first place. In a recent interview, the director shared:

The movie serves as a warning story, much like other warning stories. It is crafted and shared with the optimism that it might reach those who will take its message to heart, that there remains a chance for change based on this warning.

“The situation in the movie seems hopeless for the family, but there is still hope for the viewers. We seem to be heading towards a disastrous end, and if we don’t find the bravery and determination, it might not be feasible to alter our path. In essence, we may have no choice but to plunge ahead over the cliff.

Oppenheimer shares the optimistic outlook on humanity as Michael Shannon does, yet he perceives danger not only approaching but brewing from within ourselves. The film isn’t merely focusing on potential destruction; it delves into our collective behavior that pushes us to the edge. The End serves as a powerful reminder that we each inhabit self-made fortresses, and it explores themes of responsibility and self-delusion. It could potentially offer humanity a guide for charting a new course.

Joshua Oppenheimer: “We Are All Complicit… We Are Implicated”

The better path depends on empathy, though, which is what Oppenheimer is trying to do in The End and indeed all his films. “What motivates me to film anyone, whether it’s a fictional character or a documentary subject, is the longing to know what it is like to be that person,” explained Oppenheimer, who also directed the acclaimed documentary The Act of Killing. “You can only do that through empathy. Pointing fingers and feeling superior is never going to get you close.” He continued:

Additionally, I believe we all share responsibility. It’s not just about that wealthy family who secludes themselves underground; it’s when we learn about 1,000 people perishing in the Mediterranean Sea, fleeing wretched circumstances that we, knowingly or unknowingly, contribute to and benefit from – as this is what enables us to access affordable energy, clothing, consumer goods, food, and so on – and yet, we choose to look away and focus on things more convenient, we entrench ourselves in a metaphorical bunker.

In a bunker, Oppenheimer mentioned that when we encounter someone on the road needing assistance, we should prioritize helping them, even if it means temporarily setting aside our own safety. This sentiment resonates with the film’s intention to engage viewers about their daily actions. Oppenheimer perceives potential risks within ourselves and encourages each person to reflect on their decisions and responsibilities. “We are involved,” he emphasized, further explaining that this is a call for everyone to scrutinize their own actions.

The crux of the matter isn’t whether monsters lurk among us as Primo Levi suggested, but rather the actions of ordinary individuals. Imagine if you or I had been the child or parent in this tale, we might wish to act differently, but fortunately, we never need to discover our true mettle. And considering the decisions we do make every day, it’s likely that our choices would be remarkably similar to theirs.

It’s hard to deny the power of Oppenheimer’s words, knowing how so many of us live so comfortably with mass suffering and injustice, and how we enjoy our deception. The End was released on December 6th from NEON.

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2024-12-09 05:01