The Order of Myths

The Order of Myths is a captivating 2008 documentary film directed by Margaret Brown that delves into the complex and rich tradition of Mardi Gras celebrations in Mobile, Alabama—the oldest annual Mardi Gras celebration in the United States. This thought-provoking documentary unpacks the layers of race relations, traditions, and the evolution of the South through the lens of one of the country's most festive and historically charged celebrations.

At the heart of the film is the exploration of two separate Mardi Gras celebrations: one hosted by the white community and another by the black community. These parallel celebrations have run concurrently for years, with each having its own set of kings, queens, and elaborate rituals. The documentary follows the preparations and pageantry leading up to the Mardi Gras parades, and viewers are given an intimate glimpse into the lives of those involved, particularly the young monarchs chosen to reign over each community's festivities.

The Order of Myths is named after one of the oldest mystic societies in Mobile, tracing its lineage back to the 19th century. The film showcases the intricate customs that are tightly woven into the fabric of Mobile’s Mardi Gras, revealing a slice of Americana that is as intriguing as it is historically contentious. As we dive deeper into the extravagant balls, glittering parades, and the selection of Mardi Gras royalty, the documentary unearths the layers of tradition passed down through generations, offering viewers insight into a celebration that is steeped in both joy and complexity.

One of the pivotal elements showcased in the film is the courtship and crowning of the Mardi Gras king and queen, revealing the rigorous social circles and traditions that govern the selection. Each society's royal court embodies the height of social standing, embodying the identity and pride of its community. This provides a stark visual contrast as the film presents both coronations and the marked differences in ceremony and attire, yet it also unearths the commonality of celebration among the participants.

Director Brown provides a nuanced and balanced portrayal of the Mardi Gras societies by dissecting the longstanding segregation that still persists in these annual events, despite the broader civil rights advancements beyond the borders of Mobile. The documentary doesn't shy away from discussing how the Mardi Gras festivities represent more than just a party; instead, they reflect the persistent racial divides and the slow march towards potential unity in the South. These themes resonate as the film delves into the personal stories and reflections from members of both communities, illuminating how past injustices have carried over into present-day practices and cultural celebrations.

The Order of Myths masterfully intertwines Mobile’s Mardi Gras history with the city’s broader narrative, touching upon the tales of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and the gradual shifts in societal attitudes through personal interviews and historical context. It juxtaposes celebrations with somber reflection, pointing to remnants of the antebellum South that linger in subtle and overt forms, even within the utility of celebration. The film suggests that Mardi Gras, with its fervor and splendor, serves as a microcosm for the cultural complexities and racial dynamics not only in Mobile but also in the broader American South.

Brown captures the pageantry and revelry of Mardi Gras with vivid imagery that immerses the audience in the whirlwind of colors, music, and dance. Yet, the parades and parties serve a dual purpose, allowing Brown to pose deeper questions about heritage, symbolism, and the intersections of culture and race. The documentary does not proclaim to have all the answers nor offers a heavy-handed critique but rather lets the subjects and their stories breathe, allowing for contemplation and dialogue.

Through candid conversations with the participants, from the young royals to the organizers and society members, we gain a multifaceted perspective on what Mardi Gras means to the people of Mobile. The film is as much about the celebration as it is about the reconsideration of traditions in the context of progress and change. It encourages viewers to reflect on the meaning of heritage, and how it can both bind communities together and keep them apart.

The Order of Myths received praise for its delicate yet probing look into Mobile's Mardi Gras celebrations and its implications for understanding race relations in the American South. Brown's documentary serves as an important cultural artifact that shines a light on a little-known corner of American culture, inviting contemplation on its historic and contemporary implications. It's a film that will appeal to those interested in American history, sociology, cultural studies, and the rich, sometimes divided, tapestry that makes up the American experience.