Bisbee '17
- Director: Robert Greene
- Producer: Susan Bedusa; Bennett Elliott
CGiii Comment
The deep, historical divisions that [still] split a community.
This is no ordinary documentary, this is extraordinary. If ever there was a 'go-to' template for documentray making...then, Robert Greene has just ripped it up!
Historical re-enactments - at the best of times - are a rather strange phenomenon...usually, men dressing up in old military uniforms, running around a field with plastic guns, doused in fake blood for a wholly pointless reason. This re-enactment is catharsis.
What happened in Bisbee was nothing less than an extreme crime against humanity...in this day and age, these crimes are still being committed...by those in power, with money to burn...who degrade and destroy lives because of self-interest. It seems that there is no such thing as 'lessons learnt' - but, Bisbee is trying...this film must surely help.
Part documentary, part, drama, part re-enactment...the flow is seamless - held together by a character/resident/ghost who manages and appeases the tension and emotion. It is - quite literally - breath-taking stuff. Especially when the brothers find themselves - divided - on opposite sides of the fence.
Who knows if these divisions will ever heal...they most certainly will not be forgotten. As an experiment, it's fascinating [and mesmerising] to watch the effect it has upon people who see the 'event' from a different perspective.
As a film, Bisbee '17 is an un-missable experience. Powerful, unique and priceless...a stunning tribute to lessons learnt!
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
An old mining town on the Arizona-Mexico border finally reckons with its darkest day: the deportation of 1200 immigrant miners exactly 100 years ago. Locals collaborate to stage recreations of their controversial past.
Cast & Characters
Mike Anderson as Himself
Charles Bethea as Himself
Ken Boe as Himself / Loyalty League Member
Benjamin Joel Caron as Deputized Strike-Breaker (as Benjamin Caron)
Jeremey M. Caron as Striking Miner (as Jeremy Caron)
Chris Dietz as Himself / Copper Company Owner
Mary Ellen Dunlap as Herself
Aaron Gain as Himself / A.S. Embry
Richard Graeme III as Himself
Dick Graeme as Himself
Doug Graeme as Himself
Annie Graeme-Larkin as Herself
Richard Hodges as Himself / Copper Company Owner
Laurie McKenna as Herself / Photographer / Miner
Mel Ray as Himself / Edward Cook