Exploring the Nature of Evil in 'The Act of Killing'

The Act of Killing is a documentary about the men who participated in Indonesia’s genocide in the 1960s.  In one year, a million people were killed -- accused of being communist sympathizers by the new military dictatorship. Unlike Rwanda, Germany, or Bosnia -- the death squad leaders in Indonesia were never held accountable. In fact, they’re celebrated to this day. And - as you see in the film - they show few signs of remorse.That is -- until the filmmakers challenge the men - fans of Hollywood movies -  to re-create what they did in their own amateur film.  The result is a bizarre mix of film noir, cowboy movie and tropical musical with the death squad leaders playing themselves killing and torturing their victims.  The Act of Killing opened last week in New York and today in Los Angeles.