When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (HBO)

About When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (HBO)

"When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts" is a profound HBO documentary that captures the catastrophic events of Hurricane Katrina, following the timeline from before the storm's hit until the aftereffects in the neighborhoods of New Orleans. Directed by Spike Lee, the TV series was released in 2006, showing through interviews with survivors and government officials an in-depth look at the massive devastation caused by the failure of the levees.

Making / Production

The documentary was directed by renowned filmmaker Spike Lee, with Sam Pollard serving as a producer. Shot on location in New Orleans, the production involved extensive interviews and historical analysis. The project was funded by HBO and received additional financing from the BBC.

Actors / Interviewees

• Phyllis Montana LeBlanc: A survivor of the hurricane who played a key part in narrating her experiences during and after the disaster.
• Terence Blanchard: A New Orleans native and the composer of the documentary’s score, who was also interviewed providing profound insight into the affected community.
• Ray Nagin: The mayor of New Orleans during Katrina, his role in the recovery efforts was extensively examined.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title of the documentary comes from a jazz funerary procession "When the Levees Broke," which was played in remembrance of the victims.
• The documentary stands out as one of Spike Lee’s most critically acclaimed documentaries.
• Originally produced in four parts by HBO, there were two additional "Acts" added for the DVD release.

Awards

The potent representation of the catastrophe that was Hurricane Katrina won "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts" a Peabody Award, along with three Primetime Emmy awards including Exceptional Merit in Nonfiction Filmmaking, Outstanding Directing, and Outstanding Picture Editing.

Quotes

• "It's hard to be a chocolate bunny in America." - Phyllis Montana LeBlanc
• "Imagine Indians on a reservation. That's the only way America will be satisfied." - Kanye West

Music, Soundtrack

• The score was composed by Terence Blanchard, a well-known jazz musician and composer. His personal characteristics and narrative of being a survivor of the hurricane made the music not only emotional but authentic.
• Songs featured in the documentary include "Time Waits for No One," "In the Sweet Bye and Bye," and "Wade in the Water."