Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property

Released in 2003, the documentary film "Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property" takes a deep dive into one of the most controversial figures of American history - Nat Turner. Directed by the acclaimed Charles Burnett, this historic masterpiece leverages the combined influence of historians, actors and artists to give the public an in-depth understanding of the man who led a bloody slave rebellion in 1831 Virginia. By featuring profound interviews with such personalities as Herbert Aptheker and Ayuko Babu, Burnett inspects Nat Turner’s life, and the various perceptions of him that arose in the aftermath of his rebellion.

Narrating a tale set in the Americas' slave-dominated era, the film deals with various aspects of Turner's life, from being a preacher slave who held formidable influence on his fellow slaves, to his planning and execution of a slave rebellion that destabilized the Southern slaveholding society, shedding new light on the hero-or-villain debate that has surrounded his figure for centuries.

The film opens with an introduction to the character of Nat Turner, a highly intelligent slave who learned to read and write at a young age and, over time, became a preacher. An ardent believer that he was destined by God to free his fellow slaves, Turner eventually leads a major revolt, one that would ignite controversy and reconfigure the discourse on slavery in antebellum America.

With the guiding hand of director Charles Burnett, the audience is taken on an intricate journey through Turner's life, witnessing both his triumphs and tribulations. The filmmaker uses an innovative method of silhouetting and diverse artistic mediums, forcing the audience to confront their own notions of what they know and understand about the man who, to date, remains a highly discordant figure.

One of the most striking aspects of "Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property" is Burnett's choice to intersperse the narrative with interviews. Historians like Herbert Aptheker offer an academic viewpoint on Turner’s life and influence, examining the historical context in which these events unfolded.

Moreover, the documentary uses actors like Ayuko Babu who provide dramatized performances, depicting the different interpretations of Nat Turner, adding layers of depth and intrigue to the narrative. Each actor’s portrayal presents a new facet of Turner's characteristics and motivations, reflecting the multiple views of Turner that have been presented over time. This unique approach reinforces the film’s central theme – that the true essence of Turner's persona is cloaked in ambiguity, a troublesome property indeed.

Burnett also incorporates the narratives of post-Civil War era to contemporary times within the film. This allows viewers to observe the changing interpretations of Turner and his uprising over the years, underlining the complexity of history and its representation. This aspect of the film is thoroughly engaging, encouraging the audience to deconstruct their understanding of history and accept its inherent ambiguity.

"Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property" does not shy away from presenting the brutal realities of the time. It throws light on the rampant racial tension and ruthlessness of the slave-owning South, a tumultuous setting where Turner's actions sparked fear and outrage among whites, whilst others hailed him as a heroic figure in black resistance against slavery.

The cinematography of the documentary delivers an atmospheric mood, with scenes tinted with an air of tension and eerie tranquility. The hauntingly beautiful visuals coupled with a carefully chosen soundtrack help set the tone for the narrative, capturing the grim reality of the era but also creating spaces for reflection and contemplation. While the film never overtly takes a side, it asks viewers to reconcile with the dichotomous realities that exist within history.

As a whole, "Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property" weaves a narrative that grapples with the very definition of heroism and the constructed narratives of history. The documentary film delves into the heart of the paradox presented by Nat Turner, showing the multiple dimensions of this complex figure that still stirs debate and controversy. With stirring performances and thought-provoking interviews, this film is not only a reflection of an important figure in African American history but also provides a wider commentary on the nature of historical truth itself.