The documentaries My Brother the Islamist (2011) and My Brother the Terrorist (2014), both directed by British filmmaker Robb Leech, offer a deeply personal exploration of radicalisation, faith, and the complex intersections of ideology and identity. Through the lens of his own family, Leech attempts to understand the transformation of his stepbrother, Richard Dart, from a typical young man in the UK to a radicalised Islamist and, eventually, a convicted terrorist. These films are not just about Dart’s journey but also about the broader societal dynamics that fuel extremism.
In this article, we delve into the themes, narrative arcs, and cultural implications of these two poignant documentaries. We will also reflect on the broader questions they raise about identity, belonging, and the human costs of ideological polarisation.
The Personal Becomes Political
Leech’s documentaries are deeply personal. They stem from his shock and confusion when his stepbrother Richard Dart converted to Islam and adopted the name Salahuddin. This was not merely a conversion to a faith but an immersion into a radical interpretation of Islam that rejected Western values and embraced extremist ideologies. For Leech, this transformation was both bewildering and painful, prompting him to document Dart’s journey in an attempt to make sense of it.
In My Brother the Islamist, we see Dart as a new convert to Islam, guided by individuals like Anjem Choudary, a controversial Islamist preacher in the UK. Choudary, known for his inflammatory rhetoric, played a significant role in shaping Dart’s worldview. The documentary captures Dart’s rejection of his British identity, his disdain for Western democracy, and his growing embrace of a polarising and rigid interpretation of Islam. The film is both a personal journey for Leech and a microcosm of the broader phenomenon of radicalisation in Western societies.
Three years later, My Brother the Terrorist revisits Dart’s story, but the stakes are significantly higher. Dart had been arrested and convicted for planning a terrorist attack. The documentary examines the aftermath of this conviction, exploring not only Dart’s ideology but also the human cost of his actions on his family and community. By this point, the personal and political have become inextricably intertwined, with Leech grappling with the reality of having a family member branded as a terrorist.
Radicalisation: A Complex Web
One of the key strengths of Leech’s documentaries is their nuanced portrayal of radicalisation. Rather than presenting Dart’s transformation as a straightforward narrative of evil or madness, Leech delves into the psychological, social, and cultural factors that contribute to radicalisation. Dart’s story is not an isolated case but part of a broader pattern observed in many Western countries.
The Role of Identity and Belonging
At the heart of Dart’s journey is a search for identity and belonging. As a young man in the UK, Dart struggled to find a sense of purpose and community. His conversion to Islam provided him with a structure, a set of values, and a sense of belonging that he felt was absent in his previous life. However, this sense of belonging came at a cost, as it led him to adopt a rigid, exclusionary worldview that rejected his own family and society.
This aspect of the story highlights a critical issue: the role of alienation in radicalisation. Many young people who become radicalised share a common experience of feeling marginalised or disconnected from their communities. Radical ideologies offer them a sense of purpose and empowerment, even as they promote division and hatred.
The Influence of Radical Preachers
The documentaries also examine the role of charismatic figures like Anjem Choudary in the radicalisation process. Choudary’s ability to articulate grievances and present a simplified, black-and-white worldview made him a powerful influence on vulnerable individuals like Dart. However, Leech’s portrayal of Choudary is not one-dimensional. While critical of his ideology, the film also explores the factors that have enabled figures like Choudary to gain a following, including societal grievances, political failures, and the alienation of Muslim communities in the West.
The Human Cost
While the documentaries explore ideological and societal issues, their emotional core lies in the human relationships affected by Dart’s radicalisation. Leech’s pain and confusion as a brother are palpable throughout the films. He struggles to reconcile the Richard he grew up with—a cheerful, ordinary young man—with Salahuddin, the radical Islamist who views his own family as part of an oppressive system.
In My Brother the Terrorist, this emotional tension becomes even more pronounced. Dart’s conviction for terrorism has a profound impact on his family, who are left to grapple with the stigma and consequences of his actions. The film does not shy away from these painful realities, showing the ripple effects of extremism on loved ones and communities.
Leech’s perspective as a family member is what makes these documentaries so compelling. His personal connection to Dart allows him to approach the subject with empathy, even as he grapples with anger and betrayal. This empathy is crucial in humanising a story that could easily have been reduced to a simplistic narrative of good versus evil.
Broader Societal Reflections
Leech’s documentaries are not just about Dart’s personal journey; they also serve as a mirror to broader societal issues. They raise important questions about the conditions that enable radicalisation, the role of media and politics in shaping perceptions of Islam, and the challenges of countering extremism without alienating entire communities.
Media Narratives and Stereotypes
One of the challenges highlighted in the documentaries is the role of media in perpetuating stereotypes about Islam and Muslims. Leech’s portrayal of Dart’s radicalisation stands in stark contrast to sensationalist media narratives that often depict radicalisation as an inherently Muslim problem. By focusing on Dart—a white, middle-class man who converted to Islam—the documentaries challenge these stereotypes and encourage viewers to see radicalisation as a complex, multifaceted issue.
Countering Extremism
The films also prompt reflection on the effectiveness of counter-terrorism strategies. Dart’s journey raises questions about the balance between security measures and community engagement. While law enforcement plays a crucial role in preventing terrorist attacks, the documentaries suggest that addressing the root causes of radicalisation requires a more holistic approach. This includes tackling issues like social exclusion, identity crises, and the appeal of extremist ideologies.
The Power of Documentary Storytelling
My Brother the Islamist and My Brother the Terrorist are powerful examples of how documentary filmmaking can shed light on complex and sensitive issues. Through his intimate, personal perspective, Leech manages to humanise a topic that is often discussed in abstract or dehumanising terms. The films do not offer easy answers but invite viewers to grapple with the difficult questions they raise.
Leech’s storytelling is marked by a balance of empathy and critical inquiry. He does not shy away from exposing the harm caused by Dart’s actions and ideology, but he also seeks to understand the factors that led him down this path. This approach makes the documentaries both emotionally resonant and intellectually engaging.
Lessons from the Journey
The twin documentaries My Brother the Islamist and My Brother the Terrorist are not just films about radicalisation; they are explorations of humanity in its most complex and conflicted forms. Through the story of Richard Dart, Robb Leech delves into the intersections of faith, identity, and ideology, offering a nuanced perspective on one of the most pressing issues of our time.
At their core, the documentaries remind us of the importance of empathy and understanding in addressing extremism. They challenge us to look beyond simplistic narratives and to consider the deeper societal and psychological dynamics at play. Most importantly, they underscore the human cost of radicalisation, not only for those who are radicalised but also for their families and communities.
In a world increasingly polarised by ideology, Leech’s films serve as a powerful call for dialogue, compassion, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of division. They remind us that, while the journey to understanding may be difficult, it is ultimately essential for building a more inclusive and resilient society.
See also My Brother the Islamist
