The Battle Of Algiers Analysis

Patrick Harries, senior lecturer of History at the University of Cape Town, says that the film The Battle of Algiers is a “masterful combo of political statement and aesthetic innovation” (2007; 203). French Imperialism which is the concept of extending French rule and influence through colonization lead to The French colonising Algeria in 1830 but through Algerian nationalism which is a belief that Algeria should be Independent from the French there was a War for Independence that lasted 8 years in Algeria . The war in Algeria occurred because the Algerian people were not seen as citizens in their own country, they experienced food shortages, many were forced to leave their homes but moved back to the cities to live in areas known as bidonvilles

Gillo Pontecorvo wanted to create an accurate film and he did this by creating a simple historic narrative . The film uses various techniques to capture the historic feel of the film. The film is entirely shot in black and white which adds to the genuine feel of the film. The film also starts with the scene of Ali La Pointe and his three accomplices and then flashbacks to how they all came to be where they were. This is a very powerful technique because it immediately shows the viewer what will happen in the future right at the beginning which adds to the accurate element of the film. The quality of film is very grainy and a hand held camera was used to film which gives a documentary feel. Throughout the film we hear powerful music that plays at certain moments for example when the female bombers enter their targeted area and through the music the audience can fell the anxiety of each woman. The film also shows it authenticity as an accurate account of the uprising by including dates before each scene. The film allows the audience to experience some sort of pain and fear that was felt by every Algerian during this time and shows how the French used torture as a part of their