The Ax Fight

As Chagnon importantly points out, “first impressions can be deceiving”. This is because, as he and Asch demonstrate in their various filmic versions (unedited, narrated, abstracted kinship map, and edited) of the event known as ‘the ax fight’, first impressions are more often than not uninformed. Through their detailed analysis of what transpired during this violent eruption, they demonstrate the power of knowledge and film to make meaning of the social events that define human life.

Comes into its own on the second when it breaks down the fight play by play style. Slowly the flurry of confusion gains clarity and some background is explained to put things in context. I suppose ostensibly this is an ethnographic film, but I was more captivated by the editing of the film and the way the each time feels like you're watching something new. It speaks to all the subconcious assumptions we make when observing the actions of others.

What initially appears to be raw savagery turns out to be both ritualistic and rational. I'm aware of accusations that the anthropologists themselves may have had some behind-the-scenes influence on the proceedings, but I don't really know what to make of them. Also notable for containing some of the worst tits on film.