The Bang Bang Club
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-Ray
Directed by Steven Silver
Starring Ryan Phillipe, Taylor Kitsch, Frank Rautenbach, Neels Van Jaarsveld, Vusi Kunene, Malin Ã…kerman
Paramount Pictures
Originally Released: September 15, 2010

Directed by Steven Silver, The Bang Bang Club tells of the factual events that scarred South Africa in the very early 1990’s, as documented in the book from which the film is based. The story follows the work and lives of four photojournalists who dived into the most violent districts and incidents during the time and the popularity and notoriety they attained being dubbed as “the Bang Bang club.”

The movie opens with Greg Marinovich (Ryan Phillipe) beginning his tenure into combat photography, and meeting Kevin Carter (Taylor Kitsch, who our readers would remember as Gambit from X-Men Origins: Wolverine; and as John Carter in the forthcoming eponymous movie). Marinovich finds himself involved with Carter, and two other photographers, Ken Oosterbroek (Frank Rautenbach) and João Silva (Neels Van Jaarsveld).

With a level of vigorous competitiveness (at least, to begin with), and a sense of loyalty and camaraderie between them, the four work together in capturing some of the most memorable and haunting photographs of our recent history. Set across the backdrop of the foremost changes of historic note in South Africa during the era, we learn of the high cost of participation in combat photojournalism, in a sequential story that argues between both the values and the criticisms of documenting history vs. the choice of intervening.

Ryan Phillipe does a worthy job as Greg Marinovich, as we follow him as the protagonist of the movie, seeing the story through his eyes (or lens). While his on-screen demeanor works well in the film, for the sake of plot we don’t see him show very much depth in the realm of character development; and of what we do see, is quite minor and does not come across as important as the historic events unfolding.

Taylor Kitsch, in contrast, shows remarkable skill in the area of character development in this film. However, being the chief supporting role in the movie, slightly less attention is given to his character of Kevin Carter, which hurts his representation significantly. I honestly believe that, while very good, The Bang Bang Club would have been a much more impactful movie had Kitsch been given more screen time to flesh out more of his character. There are certain significant moments played out on screen, which do him credit – though I think the movie would have benefited greatly with more of his story.

However despite the performances mentioned above, it is Vusi Kunene who places the most memorable and intensely emotional performances in the film.

He only appears in one scene, but the weight of the instant he conveys during this short period is sobering, haunting, and heart-breaking. This is a man we need to see more of in more films – his talent shines in this small scene in The Bang Bang Club.

Malin Ã…kerman is unexpectedly adaptable in The Bang Bang Club, showing some fine development in her acting craft. She blends in to the role and her surroundings nicely, also falls into the movie as a character representation of non-violence, as differed to the devastating violence Greg immerses into on a daily basis. Her role in the movie is certainly a highlight.

Visually, the greatest highlight of the film is the painstaking effort made to representing the original photographs, specifically the two main ones that won Pulitzers for Marinovich and Carter. The comparison between the original pictures, which you can see below, and the filmed version is stunning; and for me, struck me with the memory of the first time I saw the photos. While the accuracy is worth noting, it is also worth highlighting the subtle lighting and composition differences made to fit in with the tone and pace of the film as well.

The Bang Bang Club is a very good film that deserves more attention, and is well worth the viewing experience. Capturing the essence and feel of the South African sociopolitical environment of the age is a major accomplishment for the filmmakers, as is the reverential representations of the works of the photojournalists. Though lacking in some plot areas – specifically relating to character development – the movie still has a massive impact, with its strengths placed in the several sobering and reflective moments delivered on-screen.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5