It is difficult not to think how ironic of a film 06/05 (2004) (retitled for the American market as May 6th) is. A Dutch production investigating the assasination of controversial right-wing politician Pim Fortuyn 06/05 also proved to be director Theo Van Gogh's last work: he was stabbed to death only days before the film's official premiere.

Shot in a provocative style mixing docudrama with conventional thriller elements 06/05 attempts to provide a viable explanation for Pim Fortuyn's case by resorting to both facts and fiction. The story follows a nosy Dutch reporter (Thijs Romer as Jim de Booy) who accidentally captures with his camera fragments from Fortuyn's murder. Piece by piece the reporter begins to reconstruct an enigma that leads him into the higher echelons of Dutch politics where everyone and everything has a price.

The deeper Jim de Booy goes however the more complicated his life becomes. His photos lead him to a Turkish girl (Tara Elders) who apparently was involved with an environmental organization where Pim Fortuyn's killer was an active member. In the meantime the reporter's daughter, ex, and girlfriend, are quickly targeted by determined men with an agenda. Shadow figures pull the strings of a much larger conspiracy where even American businessmen are involved. The stake: the future of Holland and its ability to integrate an ever-growing immigrant community.

With all the political havoc 06/05 triggered in its native Holland I am surprised to see that it took such a long time for an American distributor to acquire its rights. Alarming, extremely thought-provoking, and for the most part well-executed Theo Van Gogh's picture is a pseudo-realistic portrait of a society pushed on the edge by unprecedented for the Dutch state political extremism.

In the heart of this film there is a message I sense has forced both the extreme-right and far-left in Holland to react with an unbridled anger. Was it justified anger? Or was there something more?

Pim Fortuyn's philosophy, seen by many political observers as extreme as that of popular French nationalist Jean-Marie Le Pen, was widely criticized by Dutch media for its dismissive of immigrant communities spirit (the focus of attention here are Muslim immigrants). So, was Theo Van Gogh promoting Fortuyn's views?

Some believe he was!

Yet, to make a blunt generalization that all 06/05 strives to unleash is a one-sided, biased, political preaching is naïve. To argue that well-masked xenophobia is in the heart of Van Gogh's film is flat out wrong!

So, why is it then that Van Gogh was murdered by a Muslim extremist? Why is it that his film, as incompetent and asinine as some describe it, has generated so much publicity?

Surely if this was the creation of a man who had no practical understanding of Dutch politics it would have been dismissed as quickly as possible. It would have vanished in oblivion! The reality is 06/05 asks questions certain groups, certain politicians, were and still are uncomfortable discussing!!

For an outsider, for instance someone who has exposure primarily to American politics, 06/05 would be difficult to grasp. Or so Theo Van Gogh's more outspoken critics claim: the plot, the premise, and finally the acting are far too unbelievable, an incoherent mish-mash of facts and fiction.

I am not convinced!

06/05 certainly has its flaws yet I was anything but lost by the Dutch director's agenda. For example the constructive criticism on political correctness, especially in a society known for its liberalism (you will have a difficult time convincing me that Holland is the most intolerant European state), hits pretty hard when seen through the prism of American social life where the more we attempt to recognize our differences, be it religious, ethnic, or cultural, the harder we fall victims of our own prejudices. Strip 06/05 from the arguably preachy-attitude critics find flawed and I assure you what is left isn't that easy to dismiss!!

Regardless of the way Theo Van Gogh's picture resonates with you it is sad to see that one man's political beliefs were enough of a reason for a religious fanatic to claim his life. Better yet, it is sickening!!

How Does the DVD Look?

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and enhanced for widescreen TV's the print for this R1 release is in excellent condition. Very strong contrast, excellent color gradation, and a top-notch progressive transfer is what we have here. Edge enhancement is hardly an issue and aside from a small pixilation issue that I noticed during the first fifteen minutes of the film this transfers has very little to be concerned with. Once again, en excellent treatment from Koch Lorber Films with no conversion issues whatsoever!!

How Does the DVD Sound?

Presented with a Dutch DD 2.0 track and optional English subtitles (very well done) the audio is free of any disturbing flaws. The dialog is easy to follow while music compliments the action perfectly. I am unsure why this R1 disc does not offer a more elaborate 5.1 mix (this appears to be a reoccurring fault with Koch Lorber Films latest batch) as surely the film deserves it. Regardless the 2.0 track is great and gets the job done!

Extras:

Aside from the original theatrical trailer for the film there is a section of nine fragments (interviews) titled "Theo Van Gogh's Video Diaries". They span over two months (from August to early September) and during each of those interviews the Dutch director speaks about the film's progress (shooting difficulties, cast, etc) as well as the as specific scenes that were part of his daily schedule. The real gem in this disc is a near-hour long documentary which to be honest with you I found more fascinating than the actual picture. Titled " Have a Good Weekend: In Spite of Everything" the documentary investigates the murder of Theo Van Gogh and sheds plenty of light on the Dutch political scene and its major players. Furthermore the camera captures an overall sentiment (truly mixed reactions) amongst Dutchmen which I found fascinating to explore – racism versus tolerance and the Dutch state in general are extremely well dissected. This is an extremely insightful piece which I am very happy Koch Lorber Films have supplied with this disc.

Final Words:

06/05 does reveal some inconsistencies in terms of plot progression but the film's message is far more important, controversial to say the least. While I realize that a constrictive opinion on this film provided by a non-Dutchman will surely give cart blanche for critics of Theo Van Gogh, his work, and his political agenda to fire back with dismissive comments let it be known that "a voice heard is better than a voice silenced". Even if you happen to disagree with it!!