In The Axe in the Attic, documentary filmmakers Lucia Small and Ed Pincus visit the survivors of Hurricane Katrina (across seven states) four months after the storm destroyed the Gulf Coast. Many of the stories here will be very familiar to those who followed the Katrina aftermath, revolving around lost homes, FEMA incompetence, charges of racism, and gloomy uncertainty about New Orleans' future. Unfortunately, while the interviews are often tragic, the filmmakers unwisely insert themselves (with much unpleasant bickering) into the narrative (at least 20 minutes could have been cut to maintain focus). Still, while it cannot compare to the emotional wallop delivered in Spike Lee's bigger budget When the Levees Broke (which covered the same territory only with much greater artistry, depth, and emotion), The Axe in the Attic nonetheless serves as a much-needed reminder that the restoration of New Orleans and the devastated Gulf Coast communities has been woefully inept. Despite its flaws, this is recommended, overall. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
The Axe in the Attic
(2007) 110 min. DVD or VHS: $99.95: public libraries; $395: colleges & universities. The Cinema Guild. PPR. ISBN: 0-7815-1273-5 (dvd). Volume 24, Issue 1
The Axe in the Attic
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