Movie spotlight
The Sixth Side of the Pentagon
Chris Marker and François Reichenbach document the massive anti–Vietnam War protest held in Washington, D.C., on October 21, 1967, where more than 100,000 demonstrators gathered at the Lincoln Memorial before marching on the Pentagon. Filmed amid the crowd, the short captures the tension, idealism, and growing radicalism of the American peace movement.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary offers a look at the internal workings of the Pentagon during the Vietnam War era. It explores the complex bureaucracy and the strategic decisions being made within the Department of Defense. The film provides a rare glimpse into the massive military-industrial complex and the people who were shaping American foreign policy.
Critical Reception
The film is a historical document, rarely reviewed in a typical sense. It's considered a straightforward, albeit dated, look at military operations and decision-making processes during a significant period of American history. Its value lies in its archival nature rather than its critical commentary.
What Reviewers Say
A factual, if stark, portrayal of Pentagon operations.
Provides a historical snapshot of military bureaucracy during the Vietnam War.
Google audience: As a historical documentary, specific audience reviews are not readily available. Its focus on factual reporting means it is typically appreciated for its informational content rather than for entertainment value.
Fun Fact
This documentary was produced by the U.S. Department of Defense itself, likely as a way to showcase its operational capabilities and strategic planning during a period of intense public scrutiny.
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