star-spangled satire
Mr Freedom saves the day ... ?
William Klein takes aim at the Stars and Stripes
Described by critic Jonathan Rosenbaum as "conceivably the most anti-American movie ever made", William Klein's Mr Freedom was filmed at the height of the Vietnam War and the US civil rights movement, immediately after the politically tumultuous year of 1968. Part comic book, part action comedy, all kitsch, the film takes pot shots at US right-wing political conservatism and foreign policies and sadly, is just as relevant today as it was when it was first released.
Mr Freedom (John Abbey) is a pro-America superhero donned in an outfit that's a mix of gridiron kit and pro-wrestler. He's sent by his boss Dr Freedom (Donald Pleasance) to save the French who are, according to Dr Freedom, a bunch of "mixed-up, snivelling crybabies who haven't stood on their own two feet since Napoleon ... and Napoleon wasn't even French!" The country is under threat of a communist takeover by the Stalinist Moujik Man (Phillipe Noiret) and the Maoist Red China Man (a giant inflatable dragon!) who have already taken out Mr Freedom's French counterpart Captain Formidable (Yves Montand).
Will Mr Freedom save the day?
The film co-stars Delphine Seyring as the feisty agent Marie-Madeleine, Sami Frey as Jesus Christ (yes, that Jesus!) and Serge Gainsbourg, who also contributed to the film's soundtrack.
Mr Freedom screens as part of our Focus on William Klein this Saturday 24, and next Saturday 31, January, 2009. For session times and tickets click here
Published Tuesday, 27 January 2009
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