The War Game

This Oscar-winning account of a fictional nuclear attack on southern England abruptly awakened its audience to the threat of nuclear war. The black-and-white footage in the style of a cinema newsreel creates an authentic atmosphere in this mockumentary with an activist tint. The doom scenario unfolds in chronological order, from the preparations for the impending attack and the evacuation of 10 million people to the actual explosion, the countless casualties, food shortages and looting. Footage in reporting style is interspersed with interviews with public figures and members of the public, the latter of whom are played by actors. They all give their opinion on nuclear war and the usefulness of nuclear weapons. The general lack of public knowledge and the disastrous consequences contrast starkly with the optimistic statements by the people in power, which are transcribed from reality. Although the characters are played by actors and the events are imaginary, the film draws striking parallels with contemporary conflicts.