I think this review needs a bit of background so you understand where I am coming from in my comments on THE EXECUTION OF SOLOMON HARRIS. I have always felt that capital punishment is a reasonable thing, however, I am also very, very disturbed by its many inconsistencies and cruelties as it's practiced in my country. In most cases, the person being executed has already sat awaiting execution for ten to twenty years! What if in the meantime a person changes and is no longer a hardened criminal? And, why do they use some amazingly cruel execution machines when, perhaps, a bullet to the head would but much faster and less painful? There are accounts of people catching fire or roasting while being electrocuted--and I have no idea why a few states still use this method of execution. So I am open to the idea of debating or modifying the practice--some might not be and may not be impacted as much by this short film.
This movie managed to make its point very well about the brutality of electrocutions--in a rather terrifying and, perhaps to some, a darkly absurd way. A prisoner is electrocuted but the equipment breaks mid-way through and the guy is screaming in agony. No matter what they try to do, the machine won't restart and they can't just leave the guy this way. What the warden tries to do next is amazingly sick but, as I said, some might also find it rather absurd and a bit comical. It's certainly NOT for the faint-hearted but makes an amazingly effective argument against this practice.
By the way, at this point there's one other review and it mentions Jacques Tati's "Mr. Hulot" films. I've seen these films and talk about a very, very strange parallel! Now I know the other reviewer wasn't saying the films are alike in mood or spirit, but still...anyone who could see any parallel is a very unusual person to say the least. Not a bad or good person--I am NOT being judgmental--just unusual...very unusual.
This movie managed to make its point very well about the brutality of electrocutions--in a rather terrifying and, perhaps to some, a darkly absurd way. A prisoner is electrocuted but the equipment breaks mid-way through and the guy is screaming in agony. No matter what they try to do, the machine won't restart and they can't just leave the guy this way. What the warden tries to do next is amazingly sick but, as I said, some might also find it rather absurd and a bit comical. It's certainly NOT for the faint-hearted but makes an amazingly effective argument against this practice.
By the way, at this point there's one other review and it mentions Jacques Tati's "Mr. Hulot" films. I've seen these films and talk about a very, very strange parallel! Now I know the other reviewer wasn't saying the films are alike in mood or spirit, but still...anyone who could see any parallel is a very unusual person to say the least. Not a bad or good person--I am NOT being judgmental--just unusual...very unusual.
