1 hour 18 minutes.
Strange. Gruesome. Challenging.
This docu-drama adaptation of the 1973 book of the same name follows many of the strange events that happened in the supposedly delightful community of Black River Falls in Wisconsin between 1890-1900. The style mirrors the content: strange. Using dramatic reconstructions, archive footage, and contemporary footage, ‘Wisconsin Death Trip’ is more complex than many modern documentaries. This means it requires attention from the viewer to receive the insight it offers into the plight of life in post-reconstruction America: it cannot be “half-watched” with a phone in hand. However, the complexity does not stop it from being captivating. The film switches between styles creating variety, and the dramatic reconstructions are beautifully shot, resembling silent-films. In particular, the soundscaping is particularly unique and make the stories even more interesting. Surely not everyone’s ideal documentary choice, this documentary would suit: American history buffs, people interested in the nature of society, people with a fascination for the macabre
and people who like well-shot cinema.
Comments