What the Fuck are These Red Squares?

About This Movie

So, 'What the Fuck are These Red Squares?' is this raw documentary capturing students at the Art Institute of Chicago during a heated time in the early '70s. It's not polished, but that's what gives it a certain grit—like you're right there with them, feeling the urgency of the moment. The pacing is quite disjointed, almost chaotic at times, reflecting the turmoil of the era, with students passionately discussing the invasion of Cambodia and their responses to violence against protesters. The visuals, with those stark red squares, are striking and provoke all sorts of feelings about activism and art. You can sense the tension, the hope, and the frustration—definitely something that stands out in the documentary landscape of that time.

This film is pretty rare and not widely circulated, which definitely adds to its collector appeal. It's been released in a few formats over the years, but finding a decent copy, especially on DVD or VHS, can be a bit of a challenge. The discussions and atmosphere are very much a snapshot of the period, making it a fascinating piece for any serious documentary enthusiast.