FTA

FTA is a radical and political documentary film from 1972, featuring prominent Hollywood stars Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland, along with actress Pamela Donegan. This documentary is a cinematic ride of the anti-Vietnam War movement during the early 1970s, capturing the volatile mood and ardor of the era.

Directed by Francine Parker, FTA stands for 'Free The Army', which is also interpreted by some as an irreverent acronym involving a pertinent eviction of the military. The film is produced by Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland among others. It's a clear exhibit of a revolutionary moment in American history, particularly in the context of the country's cultural and political landscape.

FTA is an intriguing piece as it is an orchestrated amalgam of original songs, skits, and impromptu interviews. Fonda and Sutherland, both of whom were vocal about their opposition to the Vietnam War, effectively use the medium of this documentary to foster a direct dialogue with the American soldiers and to challenge the predominating narratives around the War.

The film focuses extensively on the FTA tour (Free The Army tour), an anti-war roadshow of sorts aimed at military personnel, which went through towns near military bases in the US, and even extended overseas to the Pacific Rim. The tour was designed as a counterculture response to Bob Hope's patriotic USO tour. Instead of promoting the war, it sought to amplify the voices of those who questioned its motives and outcomes.

The movie brilliantly captures authentic exchanges between the key figures in the film and servicemen, who express their resentment, fears, and disillusionment with the war. Fonda, Sutherland, and Donegan perform satirical skits and songs criticizing the U.S. military's role and delve into the divisive politics of the time. However, it's the interviews with the active-duty soldiers and veterans, including women and people of color, narrating their first-hand experiences and perspectives on war and military life, that become the heart of the film.

Jane Fonda displays an empathetic and engaged presence throughout the film, proving to be an apt host for the delivery of such powerful content. Donald Sutherland, likewise, presents a compelling figure, highlighting his acting prowess and activist ardor. Pamela Donegan adds originality and a compelling perspective to the documentary, giving a voice to the women impacted by the war.

FTA doesn't shy away from capturing both the dissent against the war and the systemic issues within the army. It is a brave expose on the injustices, biases, and inadequacies within the military system, often highlighting the lives of soldiers and the untruths they have been told.

The film's narrative style can be seen as an interesting mix of film and stage performance techniques, with doses of on-the-street interviews layered with focused, staged routines. This unique arrangement allows for a wider range of perspectives, adding more impact and narrative depth.

In terms of cinematography, the film efficiently uses black and white footage which gives a visceral touch to the narrative, drawing audiences even deeper into the emotionally charged conversations. With its often raw and candid portrayal, FTA delivers a moving account of an era that was rife with social and political change.

FTA is an enduring landmark in cinematic history - an intense, brave, and important documentary that is as much a record of that revolutionary time as it is a critique of US global policies. It bridges the gap between entertainment and political activism, daring its viewers to confront the hard truths of the era. Largely suppressed upon its original release due to its rebellious politics, the film has since found a rightful place in the annals of classic political documentaries. Today, it stands as a potent reminder and examination of a time when voices of dissent bravely cut through the cacophony of agreed-upon narratives to question the motives and effects of war.