User reviews

Although this film has no plot or story, it makes a very strong case against western discrimination and stereotyping of Arabs... A long series of clips from mainly hollywood movies that contained Anti Arab comments or portrayals cut into a flowing collage. The best thing about it is that it needs no comment, no text, no words. It makes no judgment, makes no comment but rather allows the audience to watch and judge for themselves. An almost impossible feat in any other medium. A clever idea, well executed.

The situation in Israel-Palestine over the past year and a half has made Elia Suleiman's "Introduction to the End of an Argument" even more important. This experimental documentary consists mainly of footage from the region, as well as scenes from Hollywood movies depicting Arabs, with the aim of challenging the common narrative about the Middle East, and the Palestinians in general. It's a safe bet that practically any movie that you've seen has pushed some sort of stereotype. Think of this documentary as a de-programmer.

Some of the footage shows people who have since become even more prominent (namely a certain prime minister). Whatever the case, everyone should see this as an antidote to what has passed for discussions about the Arab world.