THE GREAT FLOOD

USA 2012 - DCP - 78 minutes, in English Director, Screenplay: Bill Morrison

Print Courtesy: Icarus Films

The Mississippi River Flood of 1927 was the most destructive river flood in American history. In the spring of 1927, the river broke out of its earthen embankments in 145 places and inundated 27,000 square miles. Inspired by the catastrophe, The Great Flood is a collaboration between Morrison and guitarist and composer Bill Frisell. “In closeup, it shows trickling streams and rain on cotton plants swelling into torrents; cigar-toting politicians gesticulate reassuringly, and the wealthy making dignified retreats while the impoverished cling to the remains of shacks. Guitarist Bill Frisell’s live soundtrack of howling blues chords, Thelonious Monk hooks, country-swing and Old Man River quotes would make a fine concert without a film, too. Put the two together [and] the result moves up another creative and emotional level.”

The Guardian