Spike Lee's HBO-aired two-part documentary sequel If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise revisits New Orleans five years after the director's magisterial 2006 When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts, which explored the human impact of Hurricane Katrina. The first film's restless energy and angry tone are replaced here with a more subdued approach, but a quiet sense of outrage remains as Lee turns the spotlight on victims whose lives are still in tatters, as well as officials who persist in offering excuses rather than solutions. Lee manages to find rays of hope—including the efforts of actor Brad Pitt, in concert with local residents, to build houses able to withstand future storms; and the morale-boosting enthusiasm generated by the Saints' victory in Super Bowl XLIV early in 2010. But in pointing out the differences (as well as similarities) between the national response to Katrina and the earthquake in Haiti, the director underscores the inadequacy of governments in dealing with natural disasters—italicizing the point by showing how the 2010 Gulf of Mexico BP oil spill met with an equally anemic response. While footage of meetings, marches, and rallies provides context, Lee's strength lies in his interviews with people ranging from officials like former FEMA head Michael Brown and former New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin to local artists and homeowners, many of whom also appeared in When the Levees Broke. DVD extras include Lee's audio commentary and bonus interview footage. An ambitious, powerful, and deeply human documentary follow-up, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise
(2010) 2 discs. 240 min. DVD: $24.98. HBO Home Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. ISBN: 0-7806-7136-8. Volume 26, Issue 3
If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise
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