Groundbreaking in its style of documentary realism Watkins BBC film depicts the horrific events of the battle of Culloden in 1746 and its aftermath. Watkins uses the anachronism of a modern day TV crew to great effect: the interviews with the real soldiers elicits sympathy in the viewer for the lowly Jacobite Clansmen who are depicted as ill-equipped, undernourished and, ultimately, ill-fated. The voice-over commentary (by Watkins) creates a tone of irony throughout e.g the two brothers fighting on opposing sides; the incompetence of the military leaders, etc.
This is a landmark film which is years ahead of its time in terms of technique. A definite must watch.
This is a landmark film which is years ahead of its time in terms of technique. A definite must watch.