The Dissident

The Dissident is an eye-opening, comprehensive, and heart-rending 2020 documentary film. Directed by Bryan Fogel, who has previously won an Academy Award for his documentary 'Icarus,' this film reveals the disturbing labyrinth of deceit, power, and violation of human rights hidden behind global politics.

The film focuses on the horrifying mini but a global scandal of the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, a renowned Saudi journalist and an outspoken critic of the Saudi Arabia regime. Khashoggi, who wrote for the Washington Post, was residing in the United States when he was brutally assassinated in the Saudi Arabia Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, in October 2018. For a world that often overlooks the intermittent silencing of journalists, this incident, because of its viciousness, brought to everyone's forefront the horrifying reality of state-sponsored brutality.

We are introduced to Khashoggi through interviews, footages, and his writing, which create a portrait of a man who believed in the power of free speech and held a firm stance against the authoritarian principle. Omar Abdulaziz, an influential Saudi dissident in Canada who was close to Khashoggi, is also prominently featured in this documentary, providing insights into the regime's tactics of surveillance, misinformation, and suppression of dissident voices.

The Dissident does not just stop at retelling the story of Khashoggi's murder but delves deeper into the labyrinthine world of geo-politics and power dynamics. It meticulously unravels the multi-layered fabric of this complex incident, opening up questions of morality, accountability, and diplomatic transparency. Viewers are left questioning how such stark violation of human rights can occur despite supposed international norms and regulations.

Moreover, Fogel's investigative journalism approach to the film uncovers the chilling details surrounding Khashoggi's assassination with compelling tenacity. It does not shy away from probing into the roles and responsibilities of major players, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the country's notorious intelligence agencies, and the potential international complicity in the incident.

The Dissident is an audacious exploration of the silencing of dissent, the universal importance of journalism, and the dark underbelly of power. At the same time, it delves into issues surrounding digital security and the dangers that modern technology can pose when it falls into the wrong hands.

Music composer Adam Peters and cinematographer Jake Swantko work cohesively to enhance the emotional weight and urgency of this film by creating an intense atmosphere throughout, with moments of suspense rivaling any international thriller. The editing team plays a crucial role in seamlessly stitching together multiple elements, including interviews, surveillance videos, raw footage, and animations, to create a coherent narrative.

The courage of Omar Abdulaziz, another crucial figure in the film, is depicted powerfully. Living in exile in Canada and fearing for his family's safety back home in Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz's efforts to resist the regime's attempts at silencing him form an equally impactful revelation.

The Dissident carries the emotional weight of this tragedy and translates it into a gripping cinematic experience, while reminding audiences about the profound importance and potential cost of the freedom of speech. The film doesn't shy away from asking difficult questions about geopolitical complexities and the hypocrisy of multinational relationships, forcing the viewer to confront the uncomfortable reality of state-sponsored violence.

Just as importantly, The Dissident is a lasting tribute to the brave reporters like Jamal Khashoggi who risk their lives for the truth. Khashoggi's courage to resist the oppressive regime, knowing the potential personal cost, is an inspiring testament to the strength of the human spirit.

In conclusion, The Dissident is a thought-provoking documentary wrapped in the genre of a political thriller. It leaves the audience in deep contemplation of the fundamental values of free speech and the lengths to which authoritarian regimes can go to suppress it. This film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the bold truth about geopolitics, human rights, and journalism.