The Hunting Ground

While the film begins with a series of YouTube clips showing the euphoric reactions of teens accepted to their schools of choice, the joy quickly dissipates. Dick's film deals with the issue of campus rape, a problem big enough to have become a major national issue. Just as disturbing as the criminal statistics are the practices of covering up and downplaying the crimes. The facts cited in the film expose an educational system mired in a web of business, marketing, and sports based on young celebrities, fraternities and money. The talking heads formula, which is so rarely artistically or emotionally resonant, proves the perfect choice in this film. Before the camera the protagonists recall the traumatic experiences that forever changed their lives. Their testimonials are illustrated with subtle evocative images for a very powerful effect. The Hunting Ground differs from other films on this topic also because it stops dwelling on variations of the problem and points toward a solution.