Law & Order

Wiseman began his work on LAW & ORDER, with the intention of making a critical film about the Kansas City Police Department. But he quickly changed his stance. Though he was unsparing in his criticism of the police (in a deeply shocking scene, we witness a Black sex worker almost being strangled to death by a police officer), he also showed how officers were constantly at risk of being overwhelmed by their numerous tasks. The film was made during the election campaign that Richard Nixon won with a promise to provide law and order. The violence, with which the police is confronted, is depicted as being rooted in social injustice and not solvable through tougher law enforcement measures. (hb)