The killing of America

Synopsis:

"The Killing of America" is a 1981 documentary film directed by Sheldon Renan and Leonard Schrader. The film provides a graphic and disturbing overview of the rising violence and murder rates in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. Through a series of real-life footage, news reports, and interviews, the documentary explores various incidents of violence, including political assassinations, mass shootings, and urban crime. It aims to highlight the growing culture of violence in American society and its impact on the nation's psyche.

Controversy:

"The Killing of America" has been a subject of controversy for several reasons:

1. Graphic Content: The film features extremely graphic and explicit footage of real-life violence and murder, which many viewers and critics found disturbing and sensationalistic. The use of such raw footage raised ethical questions about the portrayal of violence and the potential for re-traumatizing viewers.
2. Sensationalism: Critics have argued that the documentary sensationalizes violence, contributing to a sense of fear and panic rather than providing a balanced and thoughtful analysis of the underlying causes of violence in America.
3. Political Bias: Some viewers perceived the documentary as having a political bias, suggesting that it portrays American society in an overly negative light without adequately addressing the complex social, economic, and political factors contributing to violence.
4. Limited Release: Due to its controversial nature, the film had a limited release in the United States and was more widely distributed in Japan, where it gained a significant following. This limited exposure in its home country contributed to its somewhat obscure status.

Despite these controversies, "The Killing of America" remains a significant and provocative documentary that continues to provoke discussion and debate about the depiction of violence in media and its impact on society.