Standard Operating Procedure

This documentary offers a stark look at the events at Abu Ghraib prison through interviews with the American soldiers who were involved. Director Steven Soderbergh presents raw footage and personal accounts, allowing the soldiers to explain their actions and the pressures they faced during their deployment in Iraq. The film explores the complex moral and ethical questions surrounding torture, command responsibility, and the dehumanizing effects of war.

Standard Operating Procedure was met with critical acclaim, lauded for its unflinching examination of a controversial topic and Soderbergh's directorial approach. Critics praised the film for giving a voice to the soldiers involved, even as it raised difficult questions about accountability and the broader context of the Iraq War. While some found the subject matter disturbing, the film was widely recognized for its journalistic integrity and its contribution to the public discourse on the Abu Ghraib scandal.

• Praised for its powerful and direct interviews with the soldiers.
• Commended for its brave exploration of the moral ambiguities of war and torture.
• Noted for Soderbergh's objective and non-judgmental directorial style.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's disturbing yet important subject matter, with many appreciating the direct accounts from the soldiers. Some viewers found the content difficult to watch but acknowledged its significance in understanding the Abu Ghraib events.

Nominated for the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Director Steven Soderbergh conducted extensive interviews with the soldiers involved, meticulously cross-referencing their accounts to ensure accuracy while allowing them to express their perspectives directly.