Autobiography

The award-winning film "Autobiography", is finally coming back home after concluding a series of screenings in more than 20 film festivals. The title refers to the life experiences of its 2022 Citra award-winning scriptwriter, Makbul Mubarak--who also direct the movie.

He said that the idea of "Autobiography" came from his childhood. His parents were civil servants, and the 31-year-old moviemaker lived in some circumstances where power was given naturally for symbols of nation. 

Some influential figures, trapped (or overuse) in the powerful situation. So much so that it led to violence. One question emerged inside Makbul's head as to where would power violation ends?

The answer, lies at the end of the movie. The final scene depicts Mubarak's take on which side he stands on. Or, if he chose the opposite side of the finale, I guess we still can read the whole movie as a precaution of the famous quotation by Lord Acton:

"Power tends to corrupt, absolute power corrupts absolutely."

Unfortunately, at some point the portrait of fictional story in Autobiography can easily be found in real life in Indonesia--a nation where militarism holds power for several decades. You might have experienced one. 

Makbul himself had experienced an uncomfortable story of how several influential figures can easily misuse their abilities. As he told Koran Tempo the January 22 edition, Mubarak shared his past story of being accused stealing from a shop. Unbeknownst, the authority took advantage of his powerless position and took money from the young man.

In the universe of "Autobiography", such power relation has special place to let the story rolls out. We will see Kevin Ardilova who plays as Rakib. He becoma a personification of ourselves--through some cinematography techniques (mise en scene). A Polish cinematographer beautifully arranged a myriad of eary shots and combined with works of Philippinos editor and French sound editor, then make viewers feel like it was truly terrifying to work for a powerful military retired general named Purnawinata who was played by Arswendi Bening Swara.

Purna was on his path toward residential election. As he was away from his family, the ex-war veteran chose Rakib taking role of being his caretaker. 

Rakib was treated as his long-awaited son by the father of three daughter. On the contrary, on the visit to jail, Purna said to Rakib's father that he felt satisfied with Rakib's service. The relationship was mutual as Rakib found an ideal father figure in Purna's attitude. Until one moment moves the story.

"Autobiography" was also shows us another issues that follows militarism. Natural exploitation was told as a background, delivered side by side with the negligence of one's source of life. On another part of the movie, impunity also can be seen. 

The movie also shed a light on another note that needs to be taken more seriously. Military power has its own strength and weakness that affects a wider part of society. []