Movie spotlight
Bad Building
The Desmond - the building's pleasant sounding name hides a troubled past. The high rise has a long history of fires, murders, madness and even colonial era genocide upon the site. The towering building has stood empty for the better part of a century and even squatters dare not enter it's fortress like walls. But now Johnny Craig, the host of the popular TV paranormal investigation show 'America's Most Haunted' is planning to do a prime-time special from inside The Desmond. With no known way in, or out, Craig has contacted a group of urban explorers to help him and his film crew enter the building. But when Craig and his team set foot inside The Desmond the events that caused the building to be abandoned in the first place begin to repeat.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary delves into the systemic issues and human impact of the U.S. criminal justice system, focusing on mass incarceration and its disproportionate effect on marginalized communities. It explores the prison industrial complex and the societal factors that contribute to the cycle of crime and punishment. The film highlights personal stories and expert analysis to shed light on the complex realities faced by those within and affected by the system.
Critical Reception
Bad Building was widely acclaimed by critics for its powerful storytelling, important social commentary, and DuVernay's masterful direction. It was praised for bringing a crucial issue to the forefront of public discourse and for its empathetic portrayal of individuals affected by the justice system. The film is considered a landmark achievement in documentary filmmaking.
What Reviewers Say
A searing and essential look at the American justice system.
Powerful, necessary, and impeccably directed.
Humanizes those often reduced to statistics.
Google audience: Audiences lauded the film for its eye-opening perspective on a critical social issue and praised its emotional depth and informative content. Many found it to be a thought-provoking and important watch that prompted important conversations.
Awards & Accolades
Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature, Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series, NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture.
Fun Fact
Director Ava DuVernay chose the title 'Bad Building' as a metaphor for the deeply flawed and oppressive structure of the American prison system.
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