Section 60: Arlington National Cemetery

Section 60: Arlington National Cemetery is a poignantly rich, sensitive documentary film that aired on HBO in 2008. The film, produced by the award-winning duo filmmakers Jon Alpert and Matthew O'Neill, focuses on a specific section of the vast Arlington National Cemetery, Section 60. This part of the cemetery is the final resting place for many American military personnel who have fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan. This riveting film delivers a glimpse into the lives forever changed by the ongoing wars - the bereaved families and friends of the deceased soldiers, offering an emotional, up-close portrayal of the cost of war.

Running for just about an hour, the documentary aptly encapsulates the sacredness and weight of the grounds it portrays. Section 60: Arlington National Cemetery is not simply about a piece of land filled with tombstones, but it embodies the narrative of loss, sacrifice, and valor, as told by those who have been forced to pay the ultimate price. Filmmakers Alpert and O'Neill tastefully navigate this potentially difficult and sensitive subject matter, showcasing not just the grief, but also the love, honor, and respect associated with the sacrifices made by those who have served.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of Section 60: Arlington National Cemetery is its lack of voice-over narration. Instead, the film heavily relies on a series of candid, direct-to-camera interviews and interactions amongst visitors, staff, and burials at the cemetery. This unique approach invites viewers to eavesdrop on incredibly private moments, granting them a deeply touching yet unobtrusive look at the human side of war‒the stories behind the headlines and statistics.

The film also features a number of recurring characters such as graveyard workers, the grieving families, friends, military comrades, and fiancé(e)s, which help to give the film a rounded, human perspective. The stories range from tales of fathers whose duty it is to bury younger men, families grappling with the never-ending grief, to soldiers who stop by to pay tribute to their fallen comrades. Altogether, they weave together a narrative that captures the essence of a place where soldiers and civilians alike come together to grieve, share stories, and comfort each other.

Furthermore, Section 60: Arlington National Cemetery often lets the cemetery's poignant visuals speak for itself, with intimate camerawork and thoughtful composition. The visuals mirror the high emotional stakes the film explores, incorporating a thoughtful mix of panoramic shots of the vast expanse of headstones, close-ups of tear-stained faces, and intimate views of personal mementos left on gravesites.

The artistic styling reinforces the paean to the soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice, to the families who have to carry on, and to a nation coming to terms with the consequences of these modern wars. The documentary succeeds in being respectful of the sensitive subject matter, all the while showing the raw and unparalleled mixture of grief, pride, love, and respect.

Notably, the documentary refrains from overt political messaging. Instead of focusing on the politics of these wars, the filmmakers concentrate on the deeply personal narratives of those affected by it, casting a profoundly human light on war, its toll on people, and the rippling effect it has on society.

In conclusion, Section 60: Arlington National Cemetery is a deeply touching, thought-provoking film that provides a unique perspective on the human cost of recent wars. Through its measured, respectful approach, it serves as both a tribute to the fallen and a place for discussion about the real impact of war. The film's well-captured moments, unscripted interviews, and poignant visuals combine to create a moving documentary experience that stays with you.