Soudabeh Moradian's documentary focuses on veterans of the 1980–88 Iran-Iraq War—the 20th century's second-longest military conflict, after the Vietnam War—who are institutionalized at a Tehran mental health facility. Approximately 40,000 Iranian soldiers returned from battle with significant psychological and neurological issues, many requiring hospitalization that continues to this day. Some of the men are able to speak (in varying degrees of length and comfort) about their wartime experiences during exercises that the medical staff refers to as “psychodramas”; others, however, have retreated into their own private worlds. One of the most gregarious patients is Mahmood, who spends a great deal of time drawing the blueprints for a “doomsday machine” that can destroy the world once its “on” button is pushed. Mahmood provides the film with most of its drama when he inexplicably escapes and goes missing for several months (he is eventually discovered on the other side of the country, not far from the battlefields where he once served). Moradian also includes a generous serving of archival news clips—some of it quite harrowing. Offering a disturbing but insightful look at the tragic casualties of a ruinous period in 20th-century Middle Eastern history, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
Doomsday Machine
(2011) 53 min. In Farsi w/English subtitles. DVD: $26.95 ($249.95 w/PPR). National Film Network. ISBN: 978-0-8026-1170-3. Volume 26, Issue 3
Doomsday Machine
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