Crime Thriller 'The Order' Premieres at Venice, Explores 1980s White Supremacy and Contemporary Extremism
August 31, 2024The crime thriller 'The Order,' directed by Justin Kurzel and starring Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult, Jurnee Smollett, and Tye Sheridan, premiered at the Venice Film Festival on August 31, 2024.
Set to open in select theaters on December 6, the film is based on the 1989 non-fiction book 'The Silent Brotherhood' by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt, which chronicles the rise of a violent white supremacist group in the 1980s.
The narrative follows FBI agent Terry Husk, played by Jude Law, as he investigates a series of violent crimes linked to The Order, a gang led by charismatic leader Bob Matthews, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult.
The film is set against the backdrop of the early 1980s, focusing on talk radio host Alan Berg, who confronts racist callers while a series of armed robberies tied to white supremacists unfold in the Pacific Northwest.
The film employs a functional approach to white supremacy, illustrating the tactics and ideologies of the group while avoiding a deep exploration of racial dynamics within policing.
'The Order' raises concerns about the resurgence of extremist ideologies in the U.S., suggesting that the beliefs of The Order resonate with some contemporary political movements.
The film depicts a series of bank robberies and car heists that terrorized communities in the Pacific Northwest, attributed to the white supremacist gang known as The Order.
The Order was notorious for committing robberies, counterfeiting money, and bombing adult cinemas, and was responsible for several murders, including that of Alan Berg.
Co-star Nicholas Hoult expressed hope that the film could illuminate the causes of such extremist events and help prevent them in the future.
The premiere featured a photo gallery showcasing the cast and crew interacting with fans on the red carpet, highlighting the film's engagement with contemporary issues.
Law emphasized the importance of film festivals for early recognition in a challenging market, expressing pride in participating alongside talented filmmakers.
The film's cast discussed its relevance to today's divided political landscape, with Law noting the undeniable importance of creating timely work that reflects current societal divisions.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources
Mashable • Aug 31, 2024
'The Order' review: Jude Law goes freak mode while chasing neo-NazisThe Daily Beast • Aug 31, 2024
‘The Order’ Review: Jude Law Battles Neo-Nazis in Real-Life Thriller