The Act of Killing

The Act of Killing describes the Indonesian mass killings that occurred between 1965 and 1966 and the men who carried them out. Following the country’s failed coup, Anwar Congo and his associates embarked on a murder spree that devastated Indonesia. These mass killings amounted to a genocide in which more than a million people were killed. Invited to participate in the documentary, Anwar describes what it was like to kill for the cameras. As he re-enacts scenes in which he murdered people, the former death-squad leader appears to relish the performance, adopting a persona reminiscent of Clint Eastwood in a Western film.

Later in the film, Anwar breaks down while describing his actions and shows signs of remorse for his crimes. The director can be heard observing that Anwar’s victims did not have the luxury of breaking down before they were murdered. The film ultimately raises the question of whether Anwar’s remorse is genuine, or whether he is once again performing for the camera.