As a child of the ’80s, I vividly remember the chilling headlines about the Order and their sinister activities that seemed to be shrouded in mystery and darkness. But watching “The Order” brought me back to those turbulent times with a newfound understanding and perspective that left me both horrified and deeply saddened.
In my opinion, as a movie reviewer, there’s a chilling scene in “The Order” that leaves an unforgettable impact. This gripping docudrama delves into the birth of the modern American white-supremacist movement in the 1980s, and this particular moment takes place on a secluded Idaho country road.
Another individual, Bob Matthews (portrayed by Nicholas Hoult), was once associated with Butler but has since broken away due to his belief that the Aryan Nations movement is not radical enough. Eager for immediate action, Matthews leads a group, known as the Order, which can be seen as a small, disheveled terrorist organization. They are responsible for bombings at porn theaters and synagogues, and they often wear black ski masks while committing armed robberies of banks and Brink’s trucks, wielding MAC-10 submachine guns. Their primary goal is to amass wealth for their own purposes, but they also aim to fund an “army” intended to overthrow the United States government. (A heist at a Brink’s truck results in $3.6 million.) In one of the initial scenes, we witness them executing one of their members without mercy.
FBI Agent Terry Husk (Jude Law), a seasoned professional with a serious demeanor, has been investigating, so Butler is discussing cautionary measures with Matthews. He’s urging him to reconsider the use of violent methods, as their group needs to avoid any association with criminal activities. If executed correctly, according to Butler, they could have representatives in the House and Senate within a decade. However, Matthews remains stubborn, adhering to his vision of an imminent revolutionary upheaval.
As a film enthusiast, I found myself deeply troubled by the duality of characters in this production. While Butler, though slightly ahead of his time, seemed uncannily prescient about the trajectory of his movement’s mainstream acceptance, making him a more ominous figure for America than Bob Matthews. Matthews, on the other hand, is an unhinged sociopath, with a trail of crimes that will ultimately lead to the tragic murder of the Denver-based Jewish talk-radio host Alan Berg (portrayed by Marc Maron).
In the first person, here’s my take on paraphrasing:
However, the suspense isn’t really built up since Kurzel emphasizes the action too much. The series “The Order” is meticulously accurate in its portrayal. Initially, when the FBI, who stumbled upon this case due to circumstances rather than design (as Husk, the first on the case, is grappling with a failed marriage and has been stationed in the small town of Coeur d’Alene), begins their investigation, their methods might seem lethargic or even somewhat inept. But this is only because the show remains faithful to what the FBI truly represents: ordinary agents, not superheroes of law enforcement, who, before advanced technology, had to take things one step at a time.
In this movie, Jude Law portrays Terry, a weary and downtrodden agent who’s clinging to his job as the only thing keeping him together amidst estrangement from his family. This might be one of Law’s most poignant, authentic performances yet. Terry, paired with a local officer (Tye Sheridan, looking pristine like a Boy Scout), is an honest cop because he’s learned the harsh realities about crime through bitter experience. He’s spent time in New York pursuing mobsters, and one of his insights – part of the film’s wisdom – is that there’s a connection between organized crime groups such as the Mob, the KKK, and the Order. The way he puts it is: They all claim to have a cause, but in reality, they’re primarily looking out for themselves.
In Nicholas Hoult’s compelling portrayal of Bob Matthews, he convincingly embodies the real-life Matthews. His acting is so accurate that it’s hard to tell them apart. What sets Hoult apart in this role isn’t exaggerating Matthews’ hateful traits but rather showing his humanity, even in everyday evil. He skillfully portrays how Matthews’ beliefs are deeply ingrained within him, yet they fuel a fervor that makes him a menacingly charismatic leader.
In the crowd for one of Butler’s compelling sermons, I find myself, Matthew, passionately expressing my conviction that the white-power revolution must occur immediately, lest it’s too late. Ridley Moss skillfully portrays this fervor in a way that leaves no doubt about my unwavering belief. I manage to captivate the audience with my dangerous yet noble cult of ideals. However, beneath this charismatic facade lies a man of questionable morals. Alongside my wife, Debbie (Alison Oliver), we’ve adopted children, but I have also fathered a child out of wedlock, Zillah (Odessa Young). This act of infidelity, much like the transgressions of David Koresh in years to come, is driven by an entitlement that’s hard to ignore. Yet, when I lock eyes with my adversaries or those I suspect may be disloyal, there’s a chilling glint in my gaze – a killer’s instinct.
In the ’80s, Robert Matthews and his group were widely discussed due to their neo-Nazi activities. The events surrounding them were even portrayed in a movie called “Betrayed” in 1988. However, few could have foreseen the evolution of such movements into mainstream culture as we see today. “The Order,” which accurately depicts the events of 1983 and 1984, serves as a warning about the current rise of MAGA and Christian nationalism, along with the racial undertones (and at times, overt racism) in Donald Trump’s campaign to influence America. The film delves into “The Turner Diaries,” a novel written by neo-Nazi William Luther Pierce in 1978, which functioned as both a children’s story and a guidebook on terrorism against the U.S. government, while also serving as a piece of hateful mythology.
What makes “The Order” particularly chilling and insightful is its portrayal of how American white supremacy can embody two contrasting aspects: the acceptable, institutionalized side, and the hidden, violent facet. One can be a staunch racist without viewing the U.S. government as an adversary. However, “The Order” reveals that perceiving the U.S. government as an enemy – an idea that I believe is crucial to Trumpism following January 6 and the Stop the Steal movement – has roots deeply intertwined with the ideology of white supremacy. By the film’s end, we see Bob Matthews immolated due to his beliefs. Yet, this doesn’t mean that his ideas were destroyed; on the contrary, they continue to live on.
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2024-08-31 22:47