The term "Mardi Gras" has become synonymous with wild parties in the big easy for most of the American population. Images of drinking in the streets of New Orleans and crazy parades spring to mind, but The Order of Myths (2008) tries to shed light on the other Mardi Gras party in Alabama which is in fact much older than the one we have come to recognize.
Older Party, Different Feel
The party in Mobile Alabama is indeed much older than the one that goes on in New Orleans and the towns inhabitants love to talk about the differences. Director Margaret Brown, a native of the town, goes about showing the small details of the festival capturing everything from float creation to the numerous side parties that occur throughout the week. Her crew manages to film almost everything of importance and from so many perspectives it is amazing how well it flows overall.
Full of interviews with people from all walks of life it is clear that Brown's pride for her city and tradition is only overshadowed by the love from the rest of its inhabitants. The film gives inside access like only a Mobile native can.
But the real story of the film occurs when the viewer begins to understand that there are two parties that go on during the week. Due to long standing traditions African American events and White events are run separately and with almost no interaction with one another. The film is careful to show that there is no overt racial tension in this separation but instead it goes back to the long and rich heritage of the city.
Racism vs. Tradition
Segregation in the film comes across more as a ritual than as an offensive activity. Most people in the film seem to be aware of the inequity, but feel comfortable in saying that there is no need for change as this is how it has always been. And while this sort of thinking may be hard for outsiders, Brown's film goes through great lengths to trace the traditions and present how this situation came to be.
That includes everything from how the costumes are made each year to resemble past incarnations to how the different organizations vie for attention and praise. Everything is put in context with great visuals from old photos contrasted with modern day shots.
At the heart of Brown's film are the two sets of Mardi Gras royalty attempting to bridge the gap, and attend events together. This is apparently a big deal for both, but the film manages not only to get their perspectives but also those of the organizers and old hands, showing once again a great cross section of people. This build up provides a great climax and drama for the film.
The film becomes a moving breathing documentation of their first ever event as one group. As much as t hings stay the same, change is inevitable, and not always a bad thing.
Order of Myths is beautifully shot and full of detail. Nominated for a few prestigious independent awards, including a Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, it is definitely one of 2008's most engaging and personal documentaries.
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