Behind the Bastards Part Two: The Film Directing Playboy King Who Handed His Country to Pol Pot
Jul 5, 2018
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Sihanouk's Parties
- Sihanouk, a charismatic and charming leader, was known for his elaborate parties and performances.
- He often cooked gourmet meals and entertained guests with song and dance numbers, even performing with Indonesian dictator Sukarno.
Sihanouk's Film Career
- Besides being a political leader, Sihanouk was also a prolific filmmaker, producing and starring in dozens of movies.
- He used his films as a means of communicating with the Cambodian people, often starring as the hero.
Propaganda Film
- Following a peasant revolt and subsequent massacre, Sihanouk made a film, Shadows of her Angkor, to improve his image.
- In the film, he plays an admiral who uncovers a plot against Cambodia, and bonds with the American ambassador, played by his wife.