L.A. Gang Violence

Opening with advice to "take whatever message you want from this video," L.A. Gang Violence is a program that seems to be constantly at odds with itself. An extremely unpleasant film to watch, the tape shows dozens of victims of gang violence lying bleeding in the streets while emergency crews struggle--sometimes unsuccessfully--to save their lives. This relentlessly bleak cinema verite footage is interrupted periodically for interview comments by police officials, social service officials, and citizens. Unfortunately, if the tape's primary purpose is to stop the senseless death which occurs in staggering numbers in Los Angeles County each year, then it's just not an effective tape. For example, Police Chief Ron George is exasperated that parents don't recognize the signs that their kids are involved in gangs. But rather than use this opportunity to point out just what those signs might be, the filmmakers cut away. In another segment, George says that videos which show death and violence are ineffective deterrents since, for many of the kids, dying for the gang is a macho way to go. Too, interviewees point out that the media gives way too much attention to violence, which in turn may perpetuate even more violence. Rarely, have I seen a program so actively deconstruct itself; but the filmmakers seem to be unaware of their tape's own built-in criticisms. On a technical level, the editing is poor here--even given the rough nature of news and/or amateur video footage. Whatever the camera captured--whether its three or four fire engines coming down the street or a interminably long close-up of a young man's blasted face--the filmmakers have included it. While some of the commentary from the interviewees is interesting, the overall amateur nature of the tape, combined with the questionable marketing approach (the sell-sheet boasts "The Video destined to be the Hottest Renter of the Year!") make this a disappointing program that will probably be used more for entertainment than enlightenment (especially given the jacket blurb "WARNING: Contains shocking and graphic scenes of violence and death."). Even though a portion of the sales will be donated to the Community Youth Gang Services of L.A., we cannot recommend this video. (Available from most distributors.)