WISCONSIN DEATH TRIP
Watch The True Story of This Eerie, Violent Town
PROVOKR has for you this week the black-and-white docudrama Wisconsin Death Trip. The film is as intense as the title suggests — and you can watch it for free above.
The 1999 film is based on the nonfiction novel of the same name by Michael Lesy, which was released in 1973. Both are set in Jackson County, Wisconsin, where photographer Charles Van Schaick and local news reports documented Midwestern rural living. The book and film specifically document those affected by crime, disease, mental illness and urbanization.
The film directed by James Marsh (The Theory of Everything) blends narration from Ian Holm with re-enactments of reports. It was even filmed on location and DJ Shadow composed the music. The black and white composition provides and eeriness found in its stark contrast of light and dark.
“I wanted to convey in the film the real pathos contained in a four line newspaper report that simultaneously records and dismisses the end of someone’s life,” Marsh wrote.
And that he captured. PROVOKR hopes you enjoy this film.
