EL SEGUNDO HERALD January 16, 2020 Page 11
H. Nelson Tracey for cinemacy.com
The true crime documentary Cold Case
Hammarskjöld (pronounced Hammer-Scold),
now streaming on Hulu, follows Danish director
Mads Brügger as he and investigator
Göran Björkdahl attempt to investigate a
long-dormant case: the mysterious death of
UN General Secretary Dag Hammarskjöld in
a plane crash in 1961. The event happened
in the Congo and quickly ruled an accident,
but Hammarskjöld’s controversial support of
African autonomy from their previous colonial
powers and outside forces (including but not
limited to the UK and the US), combined
with some sketchy handling of the situation
at the time, indicate this may have been more
than an accident. Chillingly unbelievable yet
undoubtedly real, it is President Kennedy
who expresses his sympathy for the unexpected
death of this leader – imagine how
that plays knowing what became of Kennedy
two years later.
The unfolding narrative plays out with elements
reminiscent of The Keepers, or even The
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Brügger knows
how to draw in his audience. He begins with
some breaking the fourth wall components
that work as a series of hooks that require us
to sit up and pay attention, as the information
in the film is densely layered. Like Werner
Herzog, Brügger becomes an onscreen persona,
leaning into the subtle comedy of his
European mannerisms contrasted with the
foreign atmosphere of Central and Southern
Africa, though by no means pandering to
their differences. Part of Brügger’s strength
that is visible onscreen is that he is willing
to listen. He diligently follows any possible
lead, as well as captures it on camera.
The research enthusiast in me is inspired
by the tenacity in finding a story very well
hidden, and dormant for over 50 years. The
film enthusiast in me is inspired by how well
crafted a story about such research is so well
compiled. It’s a dense project, as you can
imagine, and at times it doesn’t slow down
for the viewer to keep up with the names of
subjects and conspirators. Ultimately, though,
it’s worth your time to focus and keep up
with every step of the way. The role Brügger
plays pays off as we get a front-row seat to
the challenges and frustrations of researching
such a challenging story. Not every lead is
successful; the film wisely includes some false
trails so that we never know if a particular
moment will be fruitful or futile.
The culminating film is a masterful and
compelling story that has larger and deeper
implications that are endlessly debatable.
Suffice to say, Cold Case Hammarskjöld was
one of the best documentaries of 2019. •
Reviewed by Desiree De La Cruz-Miller,
Library Assistant
Have you ever read a book in one sitting?
The book is so good you can’t put it down?
All the Truth That’s in Me by Julie Berry had
me completely engaged. I read the book
from start to finish without putting it down
one Sunday evening. The book is a unique
piece of Historical Fiction and Mystery unlike
any other story I have read before.
Judith Finch grew up in a small community
called Roswell Station. The community was
so small everybody knew everyone else’s business.
Judith grew up admiring the boy that
lived down the road from her, Lucas Whiting.
Although 4 years older, Lucas let Judith, or
Ladybird as he liked to call her, accompany
him on his explorative outings. One of the
things that Judith loved most was searching
for worms for Lucas to use when he’d fish.
Lucas grew to enjoy Judith’s company and
their friendship. Then one day Judith goes
missing preceded by her best friend, Lottie’s
disappearance.
Two years after Judith disappears she is
released by her captor and arrives back into
town to everyone’s shock. She is questioned
by the elders of the town, but she is unable
to answer their questions for she can no
longer speak because her captor removed
her tongue to keep her quiet. She is tossed
aside by the community and her family, and
disregarded as being inhuman because of
her inability to speak, until one day she is
befriended by a loving soul that helps Judith
learn to use her voice once again, and recall
the truth of what happened to her and her
best friend that fateful night two years ago.
After what feels like forever, Judith is
reunited with Lucas. They both feel a mixture
of emotions. The love she felt for him
never left, but can Lucas get over the fact
that she is now mute? He felt broken when
she disappeared. Now, that Judith is back he
struggles with his feelings for her, but can
he live with losing her again?
To check out this book or similar books,
please visit the El Segundo Public Library
for a free library card. Visit our Teen/Adult
Reference Desk and one of our friendly
librarians will be happy to help you find
what you need. •
Entertainment
Film Review Check It Out
All the Truth That’s in Me by Julie Berry
Desiree De La Cruz-Miller
Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
H. Nelson Tracey
All the Truth That’s
in Me, Julie Berry
Danish Journalist Investigates
a Questionable Death
in Cold Case Hammarskjöld
“Cinema is a matter of what’s
in the frame and what’s out.”
– Martin Scorsese
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