Riotsville, USA is a compelling archival documentary that explores the U.S. military's efforts to respond to the political and racial injustices of the late 1960s. The film follows the extraordinary steps taken by the U.S. Army, which involved the construction of an elaborate mock inner-city set at a military base and the casting of soldiers to play the role of rioters.
As tensions continued to rise in cities across the country, the U.S. military began to worry about the potential for riots and civil unrest to spread to military bases. To prepare for such an eventuality, they decided to create a realistic simulation of urban life and unrest.
The documentary features archival footage of the construction of the mock city and the training of soldiers to play the roles of protesters and rioters. At times, it's difficult to discern the difference between the mock riots and real ones that erupted around the country at the time.
As the training progresses, the documentary explores the many issues raised by the military's approach. Some soldiers felt uneasy about the project, questioning the necessity of training to suppress their fellow citizens. Meanwhile, others embraced the opportunity to test their skills and blew up more buildings than called for in the simulation.
The climax of the documentary is the dramatic staging of a full-scale riot, complete with fires and destruction. The complex staging is intercut with news footage of the real riots that were taking place across the country at the same time.
Overall, Riotsville, USA is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds new light on the efforts of the U.S. military to respond to the challenges of the late 1960s. Through stunning archival footage and interviews, it provides a fascinating glimpse into a little-known chapter of American history.