The Burning Times

The Burning Times is a compelling 1990s documentary-style film, directed by Donna Read. Recognized for its distinct narrative and authentically riveting content, the film brought together three remarkable women of that time, Martha Henry, Barbara Pecarich and Starhawk, adding a unique credibility and depth to the film.

The film does not adhere to the typical structures of mainstream cinema, but instead adopts a historical documentary format to share its impactful message. With its concise runtime of 57 minutes, The Burning Times offers a comprehensive journey into the past, exploring the perilous times of the Witch trials in medieval Europe, and presenting a detailed overview of the Inquisition's devastating impact on society, particularly its brutal treatment of women.

Martha Henry, the consummate actress best known for her stage work at the Stratford Festival, narrates the gripping tale. It's through Henry's dramatic recitation of historical events that viewers are transported into the heart of the Witch trials. Her unique narrative style of this bloody period of history vividly depicts the dark era, allowing us to better understand how hysteria, ignorance, and fear led to the horrific persecutions.

Then there is Barbara Pecarich, a renowned feminist theorist and writer. She takes on the critical role of a historian in the film, bringing credibility to the narrative through an academic lens. Her insights into the sociopolitical climate of that time imbue the documentary with an extra layer of realism. Through Pecarich, the film presents a fact-based account of arguably one of civilization's most shameful periods, leaving the viewers to ponder the horrors perpetuated against women in the name of justice, religion, and societal norms.

Contrasting against Pecarich's factual narrative style is Starhawk, a prominent figure in contemporary Pagan, Witchcraft, and Goddess movements. She provides a unique perspective, drawing parallellances between modern misogyny and past witch hunts. Starhawk's insights are instrumental in bringing forth an understanding of the continued oppressions of women, based on fear and misunderstanding.

The Burning Times embraces its factual slant without losing an emotional connection with its audience. It harnesses the influential power of images, staging gut-wrenching reenactments, and resurrecting historical art and woodcuts from the era to underline the harsh reality of the times. The graphic illustrations coalesce with the narrative to drive home the terror inflicted upon these women.

Beyond its surface-level investigation into the Witch trials, The Burning Times offers much more. It delves into the broader context, exploring the broader societal dynamics that fuelled the persecutions. It investigates the menacing relationship between power, politics, and religious dogma during that time, unearthing the roots of systematic oppression against women.

The film’s narrative structures systematically attempt to expose the brutal effects of this unforgiving era on the collective psyche, suggesting that vestiges of this period are still evident in present-day instances of bigotry and misogyny.

The Burning Times is not merely a recounting of historical events; it is a thought-provoking and gripping commentary about the toxic mix of fear, ignorance, and power that led to one of the worst periods of systemic violence against women. With its compelling narrative and insightful perspectives, it challenges us to confront and question the legacy of the past and its lingering impacts on the present. Its use of historical documents and authentic accounts from that era make this film a poignant unrevisable account of the horrors of the Burning Times.

The film's unique approach to the provocative material ensures it never feels pedantic or dense. It manages to marry academic authority with an impassioned plea for equity and understanding, making it as educational as it is impactful. The Burning Times is a deeply engaging expose, humanizing the victims, challenging our historical misconceptions, and urging us to learn from our collective past to build a more compassionate future. Above all, it's a film about resilience and resistance in the face of sweeping systemic oppression – a message as relevant today as it ever was. Therefore, it was a significant and rather tense contribution to the genre of historical documentaries, and remains, three decades on, a crucial watch for those interested in our shared historical narrative.