Investigation of a Flame

Investigation of a Flame is a 2003 documentary film directed by Lynne Sachs, featuring the political activist and Jesuit priest, Daniel Berrigan, and his brother, Philip Berrigan, as well as the late David Darst. The film meticulously examines the non-violent resistance against the Vietnam War led by these individuals and their companions, best known as the Catonsville Nine.

This compelling documentary particularly focuses on a revolutionary event that occurred on May 17, 1968. On that day, nine Catholic activists, including Daniel and Philip Berrigan along with David Darst, entered the Catonsville, Maryland draft board office, seized hundreds of draft files, and publicly burnt them in a lot with homemade napalm to protest against America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. The event, which came to be recognized as the Catonsville Nine action, was a bold and defiant action that captured nationwide attention and set forth a powerful message: war and violence are not the answers.

The Investigation of a Flame skillfully fuses together archival footage, personal testimonies, and present-day reflections from the activists and their peers, as well as the opposing views from the law enforcers and draft board members who were caught up in the incident. Through numerous interviews, the filmmakers paint an in-depth portrayal of these activists, their motivations, and the profound ramifications of their radical act of civil disobedience.

Through the lens of director Lynne Sachs, we see the Berrigan brothers as committed agents of peace and justice. Their gripping stories of resistance stir not just empathy but also thought-provoking questions about war, peace, and the human spirit’s undying quest for justice. Revolving around their commitment to pacifism, the film reveals how both Daniel and Philip became influential figures in the American anti-war movement in the 1960s.

David Darst, although not as widely known as the Berrigan brothers, was also a deeply compelling figure in the movement. As a Christian Brother and one of the Catonsville Nine, Darst's courageous advocacy for peace prior to his premature death is featured and celebrated.

The film makes use of its distinctly artistic approach to delve even deeper into the event's broader significance. It skillfully interweaves the personal ideals of resistance and peace with its contextual examination of the turbulent period of the late 60s and early 70s. Not merely a historical retelling of the event, Investigation of a Flame considers it from numerous angles, probing the moral conundrum that catalyzed such radical defiance against the government.

Moreover, Investigation of a Flame, much like its title suggests, investigates the very flame ignited by the Catonsville Nine. The flame is not only literal, resulting from the burning of draft documents, but also metaphorical, representing the burning desire for peace and justice within the hearts of these activists. It allows the audience to reflect on the boldness of such an act, engaging them in an exploration of the ideas of civil disobedience, conscientious objection, and personal sacrifice for a larger cause.

Despite the serious nature of its content, the documentary remains an accessible and enlightening viewing experience even for those unfamiliar with the Vietnam War era. Additionally, the historical intersection it presents – combining war, activism, religion, and personal conviction – gives the film an enriching sociopolitical dimension that resonates with a broad range of audiences.

However, Investigation of a Flame is not just a film about the past. It can also be viewed as an ongoing dialogue concerning the nature and limits of non-violent resistance. It calls attention to the currents of civil disobedience that continue to resurface time and time again throughout history when individuals are called to confront perceived injustices.

In a nutshell, Investigation of a Flame serves as an illuminating exploration of faith, resistance, and pacifism set against the backdrop of one of the most contentious eras in American history. A blend of both history and philosophy, this film reflects on the nature of civil disobedience and raises several pertinent questions relevant even in the world today.