Soundtrack to War showcases spontaneous music performances by a striking cast - from battle weary soldiers to shell shocked Iraqi civilians – all under the blaring Iraqi sun, with the backdrop of a destroyed city, bomb blast dust , the menacing distraction of constant gunfire and bursting mortar shells.
American culture came into Iraq wired into its tanks and helicopters – a live soundtrack to war, with lyrics of songs such as ‘Let the Bodies Hit the Floor’, ‘Round Out the Tank’ and ‘Bombs Over Baghdad’ being memorized by every soldier and forever linked to the violent events they accompanied. As the war extended into its second year, many started writing and performing their own songs. It was rock, rap and roll for the Americans and music of lament and loss for the Iraqis.
For most soldiers War was Heavy Metal. Lyrics in Metal n’ Gore, were the purest expression on this hellfire ride: rappers battle at Uday’s Palace in the bullring saying it like it is – it’s a Baghdad thing! ‘R & B’ soothed the longings of separated lovers, ‘Country’ acted like letters from home, ballads of flags and fallen friends helped with the grief, ‘Gospel’ summoned the Almighty as Baghdad’s version of the Bee Gee’s dug underground into the rubble……
This film takes us on the whole emotional roller coaster of the MTV generation who have found themselves in the hell of real war – “they just don’t die!” and who used music to help stay alive and sane.
Soundtrack to War was devised, shot, directed and produced by George Gittoes. Gittoes travelled alone to Iraq four times – he was there during Saddam’s last days, was there when ‘Shock and Awe’ struck and was there ready to meet the American troops when they came rolling into Baghdad. He returned when the Coalition occupation had gained a tenuous hold, and remained during the bloody reversals of April/ May 2004.
Soundtrack To War was broadcast on SBS ONE at Friday 13 September 2019, 03:50. This episode was initially placed on Wednesday 26 October 2016.
