Is The C.O. Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1971)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Modern Cinema cinema, the 1971 release of The C.O. stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into In response to the shooting of the Kent State University students by the Ohio National Guard, this film was made to provoke thinking about the morality of war, especially relevant in the middle of the troubled Viet Nam war. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "In response to the shooting of the Kent State University students by the Ohio National Guard, this film was made to provoke thinking about the morality of war, especially relevant in the middle of the troubled Viet Nam war. It was shown in several Hollywood theaters, such as the Encore on Melrose Avenue. In remembrance of the 4 students shot down at Kent State University by the Ohio National Guard 50 years ago during Viet Nam war protests, I am posting this film that I and my friends made at the time feeling something had to be said. After hearing the news, I paced around the projection booth where I worked, until the story came to me and I wrote it down in one sitting. It was my first 16mm sound movie. It was shown in several Hollywood Theaters as a short subject, and got featured in an interview on Headshop ch 52 with Elliot Mintz, who went on to become an advisor to the Beatles."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Dean Shah-Kee does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Wayne Schotten is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 10 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The C.O. truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The C.O. explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1971 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Wayne Schotten respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The C.O. is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Dean Shah-Kee or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The C.O. is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.