Re: [microsound] filmsound

[willscher <nzammuto@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

somewhat related:  WACO TEXAS.

i recently saw a documentary on the events leading up to the
FBI/ATF incineration of the branch davidian compound called something like
Waco: The Rules of Engagement.  

for those not familiar, the davidians, a christian group believing that
the second coming of christ was at hand, were accused of stockpiling
weapons in their 'compound' in rural texas.  US governmental agencies,
after an initial skirmish, seiged the compound for nearly two months,
trapping the davidians inside their compound.

The FBI's strategy for negotiation seemed to be to drive the davidians
crazy to the point were they would be so physically and
emotionally exhausted that they would just give up their guns and walk
peacefully out of their compound.  So during the day the FBI would drive
around and around the building in their tanks shouting obscenities and
tearing up the earth. and at night, (this is where it gets interesting)
they would blast 'music' from huge speakers at extreme volumes
continuously all night long, in an effort to keep the davidians from
getting any sleep.

and what they chose was fascinating:  at first, really really bad
lounge music.  and then, sort of a dark ambient cacophony of the sound of
rabbits being killed and people screaming and intermittent chainsaws.  oh,
i wish i could get my hands on that track.  isn't it odd to think that
US tax dollars might have gone into composing music designed to drive
people crazy.  sonic warfare.  i couldn't help but think that that music
served as such a perfect soundtrack for the whole sitution (which, btw, 
ended in the burning alive of the majority of the davidians, mostly women
and children).  

this could be the start of a compilation project, what do ya'll think...

can't remember the directors name off hand
but it was excellent, consisting entirely of media clips and interviews
with surviving davidians and expert witnesses etc.  it was very
thorough but mantained a wonderful low-fi feel: four stars. 


zammuto