Picture this: a mesmerizing blend of past and present, history and modernity, all captured through the lens of acclaimed director Steve McQueen. In his latest project, 'Occupied City,' McQueen takes us on a captivating journey through Amsterdam during World War II, intertwining haunting Nazi encounters with the vibrant life of the city today.
But hold on, there's a twist. Despite the gripping stories unfolding before our eyes, the visuals that accompany McQueen's narration are not from the war era. Instead, we're treated to glimpses of present-day Amsterdam, creating a thought-provoking and sometimes perplexing juxtaposition that leaves us questioning the connection between then and now.
No archival footage or talking heads populate this documentary; rather, McQueen invites us to reflect on the profound bridge between one of history's darkest chapters and our current reality. It's a film about memory, about remembering and, perhaps, forgetting.
Amsterdam serves as the backdrop for this captivating narrative, a city rich with tales of both tragedy and resilience. Working closely with Dutch documentarian Bianca Stigter, McQueen drew inspiration from her illustrated book, 'Atlas of an Occupied City (Amsterdam 1940-1945),' which meticulously documented the Nazi occupation and the systematic extermination of Amsterdam's Jewish population. Together, they delved into the history hidden behind the doors of the city, unearthing stories and reliving the past.
Every street, every address holds a piece of the puzzle. McQueen takes us on a door-to-door journey, revealing the horrors that unfolded during those dark days. But as we immerse ourselves in the narratives, it's challenging to reconcile them with the footage capturing the bustling, vibrant life of modern Amsterdam. The city thrives, seemingly oblivious to the haunting memories etched into its very foundations.
McQueen's goal is to prevent history from fading away, to ensure that the testimonies and experiences of those who lived through that time are not lost to the passage of time. He understands that as memories fade, the past becomes a distant echo, eventually leaving us with no one left to bear witness. 'Occupied City' acts as a memorial, resurrecting those memories and preserving them in a profoundly moving way.
While McQueen is known for his contemporary storytelling and groundbreaking approach to filmmaking, history has always held a special place in his heart. From his exploration of slavery in '12 Years a Slave' to his in-depth examination of immigrant life in London in 'Small Axe,' he continues to uncover hidden narratives that deserve to be shared. He believes in the power of witness, of recording, and the unique experience created when a community comes together to witness a film.
Stigter emphasizes that 'Occupied City' is not merely a history lesson; it's an experience. As viewers, our brains work to connect what we see with what we hear, but in this film, that link isn't always clear. Sometimes we find it, sometimes we struggle, but that journey of discovery is precisely what makes this documentary so compelling.
Clocking in at over four hours, 'Occupied City' encourages introspection and contemplation. McQueen purposely allows our attention to drift from narration to imagery, knowing that the inevitable interplay between the two is part of the experience. In fact, he even hints that there's a 36-hour version of the film, containing even more footage gathered during the project. Maybe one day, he muses, there will be an opportunity to share that extended version with the world.
Within the backdrop of unspeakable horrors, the film finds beauty in the ordinary. Mundane scenes, like a tender kiss shared by a young couple, take on monumental significance. Ghosts of the past lurk around every corner, whether acknowledged or ignored. Amsterdam is a city both literally and metaphorically occupied—its streets teeming with citizens going about their daily lives, in a rush of errands and distractions, sometimes even unaware of the weight of history that surrounds them.
Filming 'Occupied City' during the pandemic added yet another layer to McQueen and Stigter's work. Waves of COVID-19, from lockdowns to vaccine protests to moments of joyful celebration, find their way into the narrative. It becomes another upheaval, quickly shifting and adapting, echoing the transient nature of life itself. The film is a dedication to Stigter's late father, a reminder of the ephemeral nature of our existence.
McQueen's ultimate desire is for 'Occupied City' to have a lasting impact, like a stone thrown into a pond. He wants the ripples to extend far beyond the screen, infiltrating our everyday lives and shaping our understanding of history. By immersing ourselves in these narratives and confronting the past, we can come together as a community, embracing the power of communal witness.
As the credits roll and we emerge from the four-hour journey, we're left with a sense of awe and a newfound appreciation for the small treasures that make up our lives. McQueen reminds us that it's in the mundane moments, like sipping tea with a biscuit in hand, that true value resides.
'Occupied City' reminds us that history holds immense power, both to shape our present and guide our future. It challenges us to witness, to learn, and to understand that the stories of the past are not confined to the pages of a history book. They're alive, waiting to be discovered, told, and cherished. In Amsterdam, a city reborn from the ashes, the echoes of history linger, reminding us of the resilience and strength that lies within us all.
