23.5.23
I may not have enjoyed every single minute and artistic photograph featured in All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, but like its subject matter Nan Goldin, it’s a film I now have total admiration for. It’s a vibrant and unique documentary which journeys through artistic subcultures, whilst also serving as an incendiary expose of the Sackler family and their involvement in fuelling America’s opioid epidemic. It’s a story of David vs Goliath proportions, with blood-boiling moments and a humanist social commentary, reminding us just how judgemental and dysfunctional Western governments can be in failing to protect their most marginalised citizens.
Showcasing the talent of director Laura Poitras as well as Goldin’s team of P.A.I.N. activists, The film presents a powerful narrative that highlights the importance of art and activism in creating social change. As the fight against the Sackler’s pharmaceutical empire ramps up, the true nature of unchecked capitalism and its exploitative nature is revealed. There’s a skilful weaving of Marxist ideals into the storyline, daring the audience to ponder the consequences of a society solely fixated on making a profit. The film takes a close look at the unfairness ingrained within American institutions such as Big Pharma and The Justice Department, prompting viewers to question the destructive influence of business and the urgent need for the restoration towards shattered lives.
All the Beauty and the Bloodshed balances the seriousness of its political message with a contrasting look at the hidden depths of victims’ lives and the associated art movements from the 1970s. With qualitative sources and candid interview footage, the film humanises the experiences of the subjects and their vulnerabilities. From the pulsating clubs to the clandestine speakeasies, and to the genuine friendships and profound romantic relationships featured, the film does well to strip away stereotypes from liberal movements to instead just paint a picture of humans who simply deserve better treatment.
I was tempted to talk about the film’s outstanding courtroom scene but it’s a case of the less you know the better. Suffice to say it’s incredibly emotional and not to be missed, making the film seem like crucial viewing. It may be one-sided, but All the Beauty and the Bloodshed is a powerful call to action for individuals who may feel inclined to take a stand against injustice, even when it’s hidden in plain sight in the galleries and exhibitions of our capitals’ museums. It’s a full-on experience which I may not revisit, but it undoubtedly has my respect.