Director Raoul Peck Discusses the Relevance of Orwell Today

A new documentary titled Orwell: 2+2=5, directed by Raoul Peck, provides a bold examination of the writings of George Orwell and their relevance in today’s political climate. The film juxtaposes Orwell’s insights on authoritarianism with contemporary footage of figures such as former President Donald Trump and his supporters, presenting a clear stance on the current state of U.S. democracy.

Peck’s documentary is not merely a commentary on Trump’s America; it seeks to illuminate the life and experiences of Orwell, born Eric Arthur Blair in India under British colonial rule. The film traces Orwell’s political awakening, starting with his brief tenure as a police officer in Burma, which led to his disillusionment with imperialism. His experiences ultimately propelled him to fight in the Spanish Civil War, an event that profoundly influenced his literary work, including his seminal novel, 1984, completed shortly before his death in 1950.

As Peck recounts Orwell’s life and quotes his writings, performed by actor Damian Lewis, the film incorporates historical and contemporary footage of authoritarian regimes. This includes images of Vladimir Putin justifying his invasion of Ukraine and the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter ahead of the film’s release on October 3, 2023, in New York and October 10, 2023, in Los Angeles, Peck discussed his approach and intent behind the documentary.

Peck emphasized that while the film features contemporary images, it was not solely designed to address current events. He stated, “If you watch the news today, I could change every single clip of this film. But my intent was not to make a film for the current moment. I wanted to create a film that would remain relevant in 10, 20, or even 30 years.” He aims to engage viewers by allowing them to draw their own conclusions while recognizing the density of modern media.

The director believes that the themes of authoritarianism depicted in Orwell’s works are universal and timeless. He articulated that Orwell’s setting in the United Kingdom was a deliberate choice to illustrate that totalitarianism can emerge in any society, not just those already under oppressive regimes. Peck highlighted that the documentary aims to connect various global conflicts, allowing audiences to grasp the broader implications of Orwell’s warnings.

Peck shared his perspective on what Orwell would think of the current global landscape. He speculated that Orwell would likely express a sentiment of “I told you so,” due to his profound understanding of human nature and political dynamics. Peck noted that Orwell’s lived experiences shaped his insights, making them particularly poignant in today’s world. The director pointed out that Orwell observed how individuals often condemn others without self-reflection, a notion that resonates in various global conflicts today.

When discussing the current environment for political documentary filmmaking, Peck observed that many creators are hesitant to tackle strong political messages due to fear of backlash. He described this as a form of societal terror, characteristic of totalitarian regimes. Peck urged that a collective resistance is essential for societal health, referencing the historical rise of antisemitism in Germany as a cautionary tale.

Peck concluded by expressing concern over the state of discourse in society today, where terms like “democracy” and “free speech” have diverging meanings. He lamented the prevalence of “alternative facts” and the erosion of common sense, stating, “We are in a very, very bad place right now.” The documentary serves not only as an examination of Orwell’s life and work but also as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggle against authoritarianism and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding democratic ideals.