Synopsis
Using morgue photos, newsreel footage, and a recording by Lena Horne, Cuban filmmaker Santiago Alvarez fired off 'Now!', one of the most powerful bursts of propaganda rendered in the 1960s.
Now!
1965 Directed by Santiago Álvarez
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Popular reviews
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how tf did santiago alvarez make the best music video ever made before music videos were even a thing
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Immaculate, even if propagandistic reconstruction about racism in the United States during the Civil Rights times, from its historical precedents to its modern-day implications, everything orchestrated, quite unbelievably, under Lena Horne's performance of "Now", becoming one of the best, and still most jarring music videos ever made. Dissonance is the intended effect, but also a juggernaut of a social statement without the need of sensationalizing. On the contrary, the creative freedom behind this is rarely seen and Álvarez places his name among the relevant Cuban names of filmmakers in the 60s.
97/100
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It's there in black and white, for all to see
The title is very appropriate.
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Santiago Alvarez didn't have a camera or a sound recorder. He only had an editing table. And with it he was forced to devise some way to make a movie. This powerful manifesto is the result.
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Now! a short documentary film created in 1965 by Cuban filmmaker Santiago Alvarez.
The found footage used here reveals racial inequality, injustice, violence, civil rights and to take action as the main theme.
It includes a jarring music video synced in performed by Lena Horne, a civil rights activist, creating a dynamic and powerful testament to the need for social justice. Very timely and relevant till this day.
Got 5 minutes to spare?
Watch Now!
Title speaks for itself.
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The least experimental and subtle of Alvarez’ work that i’ve seen, it more than makes up for that with sheer volcanic power
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Political commentary that embarge its point into the viewers head. Racism is a terrible thing, I don’t think a rational person will deny that statement. However, racism need not be attacked with a sledgehammer. Some nuance and subtlety would have gone a long way towards making Now a much better political film. Rearranging a Lena Horne song and playing it against non-stop footage of racism, prejudice and death is effective in the short term but not the long term. The blunt force approach of Now discourages discussion and action over the long haul, and that’s never a good thing.
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Short Review:
One of the most stunning shorts ever. Reminiscent of Love is the Message, the Message is Death in the sense that it tells the story of a revolution and time through music and images; not to mention how powerful
Would Recommend!