Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat

Year: 2024

Runtime: 2 h 30 m

Language: french

Director: Johan Grimonprez

Documentary

In 1960, United Nations: the Global South ignites a political earthquake, musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach crash the Security Council, Nikita Khrushchev bangs his shoe denouncing America’s color bar, while the U.S. dispatches jazz ambassador Louis Armstrong to the Congo to deflect attention from its first African post-colonial coup.

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Timeline & Setting – Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat (2024)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat (2024). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1961, Cold War Era

The year 1961 was marked by heightened tensions during the Cold War, a time characterized by ideological conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States. This period also saw a wave of decolonization across Africa, as nations sought independence from colonial rule. Political assassinations, such as that of Patrice Lumumba, underscored the turbulent struggle for self-determination.

Location

Congo, United Nations Headquarters, Belgium

The Congo, known for its rich biodiversity and vast mineral resources, became a focal point of political tension during its decolonization. The United Nations Headquarters in New York is where significant global discussions take place, making it an arena for international diplomacy. Belgium, once a colonial power over the Congo, played a crucial role in the events surrounding its independence.

🌍 Congo 🏛️ United Nations 🇧🇪 Belgium

Last Updated: November 05, 2024 at 15:35

Main Characters – Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat (2024)
Meet the key characters of Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat (2024), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Nikita Khrushchev

Nikita Khrushchev is portrayed as a passionate advocate for decolonization, using his platform at the UN to condemn imperialist actions and racial injustices. His vigorous persona and dramatic gestures, such as banging his shoe on a desk, signify his determination to raise awareness about the plight of nations fighting for independence. Khrushchev's character embodies the fervor of Soviet leaders during the Cold War, as he positions himself as a champion for the oppressed.

🕵️‍♂️ Politics ✊🏿 Advocacy ❗ Urgency

Malcolm X

Malcolm X emerges as a compelling figure advocating for a unified Africa, skillfully expressing the struggles of African Americans in a broader context of human rights. His articulate and passionate speeches resonate with those seeking justice, positioning him as a transformative leader. Malcolm's character reflects the connection between the civil rights movement in the United States and the decolonization movements in Africa, showcasing his commitment to universal equality.

🗣️ Activism 🌍 Unity 🎤 Oratory

Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong is depicted as a charismatic jazz ambassador, whose seemingly innocent performances become a tool of distraction for political machinations. While his music unites and entertains, he remains unaware of the complexities and tragedies unfolding in the background. Armstrong's presence represents the intersection of art and politics, showcasing how cultural figures inadvertently influence history.

🎷 Jazz 🎭 Performance 🎶 Culture

Last Updated: November 05, 2024 at 15:35

Major Themes – Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat (2024)
Explore the central themes of Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat (2024), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

✊🏿 Decolonization

The theme of decolonization plays a central role in the film, showcasing the struggles of newly independent nations grappling with the consequences of colonial rule. The assassination of Patrice Lumumba symbolizes the violent pushback against independence movements, as powerful interests aimed to maintain control over these nations. This theme resonates with the broader context of global power dynamics during the Cold War.

🎶 Music as Resistance

Music serves as a powerful tool for expression and resistance in the film, particularly through jazz, which reflects the emotional landscape of the time. Jazz icons like Louis Armstrong and Nina Simone contribute to the narrative, highlighting the intersection of art and activism. Their music acts as a voice for marginalized communities, advocating for civil and human rights.

🌐 Global Politics

The film delves into the complexities of global politics, illustrating how different nations influenced the fate of the Congo. It highlights the entangled relationships between world leaders and the impact of interventions, such as those seen in the actions of Eisenhower and Khrushchev. This theme underscores the significance of international relations during a critical turning point in history.

Last Updated: November 05, 2024 at 15:35

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Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat (2024) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat (2024) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline