The Act of Killing

The Act of Killing presents a chilling and surreal insight into the minds of former Indonesian death squad leaders. Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, it focuses on Anwar Congo and his associates, who were responsible for countless murders during Indonesia’s anti-communist purge in 1965-66. These men, who have never been held accountable for their actions, are invited to reenact their killings in the style of their favorite Hollywood genres.

The documentary takes an unconventional approach by allowing the perpetrators to script, direct, and star in their own dramatizations of the atrocities they committed. Through this process, the film reveals the complex psychological landscape of individuals who have committed mass murder and how they rationalize their actions. As the reenactments progress, the line between past and present, reality and fiction, begins to blur.

Central to the narrative is Anwar Congo, a charismatic former executioner who openly boasts about his methods of killing. As he participates in the film’s unusual premise, Congo gradually confronts the magnitude of his actions, leading to moments of reflection and apparent remorse. The film also features other former death squad members, government officials, and paramilitary leaders, providing a broader context for the events of 1965-66 and their lasting impact on Indonesian society.

The Act of Killing raises profound questions about the nature of evil, impunity, and the construction of historical narratives. It sheds light on how perpetrators of violence can be celebrated as heroes in a society that has not fully reckoned with its past. The film’s approach challenges traditional documentary conventions and offers a unique perspective on the psychological aftermath of mass killings.