Edward Said: The Last Interview
June. 11,2004
Prominent Columbia University English and Comparative Literature professor Edward Said was well known in the United States for his tireless efforts to convey the plight of the Palestinian people, and in this film shot less than a year before his death resulting from incurable leukemia, the author of such books as {-Orientalism}, {-Culture and Imperialism}, and {-Power, Politics, and Culture} discusses with filmmakers his illness, his life, his education, and the continuing turmoil in Palestine. Diagnosed with the disease in 1991, Said struggled with his leukemia throughout the 1990s before refraining from interviews due to his increasingly fragile physical state. This interview was the one sole exception to his staunch "no interview" policy, and provides fascinating insight into the mind of the man who became Western society's most prominent spokesman for the Palestinian cause.
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Reviews
best movie i've ever seen.
At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.
This is one of most powerful interviews I have ever seen. Edward Said was a brilliant man with practical views on the Middle East and many other issues. I could hardly believe that the two hours was over when the film ended. I hope this will get TV exposure on PBS or some venue. More people should be able to benefit from the experience of this now deceased genius. If you get a chance to view this film, make sure you do. It is worth the effort.The West had a tendency to downplay the value of Middle Eastern people such as the Palestinians. In this interview, as in his writing, he fought valiantly to change all that. He wanted to influence a change of U.S. and European foreign policy which has always favored Israel. But the film also includes pungent commentary on Verdi, Rossini and his experience hearing opera as a young man in Egypt where he was born and raised. His comments on his books including Memoirs, Orientalism etc. were also illuminating.There are so many riches in this film, I can not even remember all of them and would love a chance to see the film again.
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