2. CHARACTERS
The front cover portrays buddhist Thích Quảng Đức, who famously performed self-
immolation through setting fire to himself in protest. This use of character runs
parallel to the anti-political music of the band, as well as providing a physically
striking image that represents anarchy and selfless political opposition. In his
portrayal on a CD cover, Thich's legacy clearly lives on through popular culture, with
the media still prepared to honour the selfless martyr by conveying his image to a
different generation, who are to be shocked and inspired by his story and dedication
to upholding the rights of his people.
3. NARRATIVE EVENTS
The narrative of the digipak follows, as mentioned, the self-immolation of the
famous Buddhist protestor Thích Quảng Đức, who protested against the wrongful
persecution of Vietnamese Buddhists in 1963. The images used are of the striking
photgraphy of Malcolm Browne, who won the Pulitzer prize for the work. As then
President John. F. Kennedy stated, “No news picture in history has generated so
much emotion around the world as that one”. Thích Quảng Đức succeeded in
inspiring international interest in his cause, with an army coup eventually toppling
the persecutive leader Diem. As a result, Thích Quảng Đức is known as one of the
most inspiring examples of martyrdom in the fight against social injustices, outlining
Rage Against The Machine's choice to use him as a mascot to represent their music,
which in itself is very left-wing and anarchistic against oppressive leadership.
4. ICONOGRAPHY
The use of fire represents ferocity and violence, as it spirals into the air and along the
ground in a sporadic and imposing manner. This is juxtaposed by the calm expression
and demeanour of Thich and the other Buddhist monks around him. This juxtaposition
is representative of the martyr's self-immolation, willing to oppose the stronger and
more ferocious force that threatens to push him to the edge, allowing the flames to
consume his body in an effort to inspire those around him. The can on the back cover
portrays the origin of the flames, or the origin of the monk's unrest. Though calm and
inanimate on the outside, once utilized the can turns into a violent and turbulent ball
of fire, much like Thích Quảng Đức's fight against the persecution of his fellow
Buddhist monks.
5. SETTING / MISE EN SCENE
The mise en scene is striking and characteristic of social unrest and anti-political
indignation, which runs as a theme in Rage Against The Machine's music, movement
and imagery. The lighting is a combination of bright high key and very dark, low key
lighting, almost chiaroscuro. This is used to put emphasis on the bright flames in
contrast with the darkened pavements and the burning skin of Thích Quảng Đức,
portraying a significant focal point that represents the meaningful selection of the
image.
