Standard Operating Procedure

Errol Morris has made another fascinating and compelling documentary, Standard Operating Procedure, about the torture and abuse at Abu Grhaib Prison that was catapulted into our consciousness by the photos taken by MPs that were following institutionalized orders to "soften up" detainees for interrogations. Morris uses talking head interviews with the principals that area available (i.e. not in prison) to show how the abuse was institutionalized and how some of the photos were manipulated.  It was also interesting to hear how the military evaluated the photos in deciding what was considered abuse and what was "standard operating procedure." As usual it is another revealing and thought provoking film by one of the greatest documentarians of all time in my opinion.

Comments

[Eric]

I was underwhelmed by SOP. The visuals were amazing, but as an argument, Taxi to the Dark Side was much better.

[MC]

That's next on my list, so I'll let you know what I think after I see it.