Watch Guerrilla: The Taking of Patty Hearst

Guerrilla: The Taking of Patty Hearst is a documentary film from 2004 that explores the kidnapping of Patty Hearst by the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) in 1974, and her subsequent transformation into a revolutionary figure within the group. The film begins by providing historical context for the events surrounding the kidnapping, including the political and social tensions of the time. It then delves into the details of Hearst's abduction, which occurred as she was living with her fiancé in Berkeley, California.

Through interviews with former SLA members, family members of Hearst, and experts in the fields of psychology and criminology, Guerrilla offers a nuanced look at the complex dynamics at play during Hearst's time in captivity. The film explores the psychological manipulation tactics used by the SLA to indoctrinate Hearst into their cause, as well as the ways in which Hearst's own privilege and social status played a role in her willingness to join the group.

One particularly fascinating element of Guerrilla is its exploration of the media coverage of the Hearst case. The film argues that the intense media scrutiny of Hearst and the SLA's activities contributed to the group's radicalization and eventual downfall. The filmmakers make a compelling case that much of the media coverage at the time was sensationalistic and overly reliant on stereotypes and assumptions about the motivations of the SLA.

Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, Guerrilla is not without moments of humor and irony. The film includes archival footage of the SLA's various communiques to the public, which often come across as absurd and self-serious in retrospect. Additionally, the filmmakers expose the contradictions at the heart of Hearst's story in a way that is both illuminating and entertaining.

Throughout the film, the interview subjects provide valuable insights into the political and social landscape of the 1970s, as well as the psychology of group dynamics and radicalization. Through their commentary, it becomes clear that the story of Patty Hearst is far more than just a simple case of a wealthy heiress being kidnapped by a radical leftist group. Instead, it is a complex and multifaceted tale that touches on issues of class, privilege, psychology, and media ethics.

One aspect of Guerrilla that sets it apart from other documentaries is its use of reenactments to bring key moments from Hearst's captivity to life. While some viewers may find these scenes distracting or unnecessary, others will appreciate the way in which they help to flesh out the story and provide a sense of immediacy and drama.

Overall, Guerrilla: The Taking of Patty Hearst is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of a pivotal moment in American history. Whether you are a fan of true crime documentaries, a history buff, or simply interested in how political radicalization happens, this film is definitely worth a watch.

Guerrilla: The Taking of Patty Hearst is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.