The Premise: A documentary, director Joshua Oppenheimer challenges former Indonesian death squad leaders leaders to re-enact their real-life mass-killings in whichever cinematic genres they wish, including classic Hollywood crime scenarios and lavish musical numbers. You think that documentaries are predictable and boring? Think again. In one of the most thought-provoking ideas that any director has ever had, Joshua Oppenheimer put murderers in the shoes of the victims, as they re-enact their crimes against humanity in different styles. The film is terrifyingly engrossing, a bizarre and in-depth insight into the minds of murderers, and one of the most amazing methods of storytelling ever seen. In the end, one of the leaders, Anwar decides he can't continue with the film, as it's all getting a bit too real. Oppenheimer reminds them that what they're doing isn't nearly as bad as what the victims went through. Anwar breaks down, before going to a rooftop where he killed so many, and gagging repeatedly. It's one of the most uncomfortable, awe-striking films you can ever watch, and it's all down to a fascinating premise. What are your favourite movie premises though? Have you been horribly disappointed by a film that looked so good? Did you see a film with a great concept that lived up to expectation? Comment below!
