A remarkable Egyptian drama featuring what (in a different context) could be called a B-horror-movie conceit, Clash—set in 2013 following the overthrow of Egypt's first democratically elected president, Mohamed Morsi—is shot entirely within the tight confines of a police paddywagon. In the opening scene, an Egyptian-born American journalist (Hany Adel) and his Egyptian photographer (Mohamed El Sebaey) are violently forced inside the empty truck by a throng of soldiers. Over time, a gaggle of people—including a family with a young son—are arrested during a rock-throwing riot by protestors and tossed within the vehicle, followed by a large number of counter-protestors who are also jammed inside. Trapped in the metal truck's sweltering heat without water, members of the Muslim Brotherhood clash, verbally and physically, with those who support the army (despite being detainees). Director Mohamed Diab finds fresh angles to shoot from inside the truck, framing group scenes or more intimate interactions with compelling ingenuity, but he also captures the extraordinary chaos and rage out in the streets—witnessed through the truck's small windows. That visual remove actually heightens the surreal violence, emphasizing just how vulnerable the truck's captives are in the middle of the action. As day becomes night and misery deepens, the characters vacillate between acknowledging their common humanity and being at each other's throats. Highly recommended. (T. Keogh)
Clash
Kino Lorber, 98 min., in Arabic w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $29.95, Nov. 28 Volume 33, Issue 1
Clash
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