| Waco, the Big Lie | |
|---|---|
 The film claims that footage shows a tank with a flamethrower (circled), however it's been claimed that this footage has been manipulated. | |
| Directed by | Linda Thompson |
Production company | |
Running time | 31 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Waco, the Big Lie is a 1993 Americandocumentary film directed byLinda Thompson that presents video-based analysis regarding theWaco siege. The first film made about the Waco siege,Waco, the Big Lie gained significant notoriety when it was viewed during the trial of American domestic terroristTimothy McVeigh. As part of the defense, McVeigh's lawyers showedWaco, the Big Lie to the jury.[1]
In 1994, the film was followed by a feature-lengthsequel titledWaco II, the Big Lie Continues, aimed at addressing criticisms of the original.
Thompson's films made a number of controversial allegations, the most famous of which was her claim that footage of an armored vehicle breaking through the outer walls of the compound[2] showed aflamethrower attached to the vehicle, setting fire to the building. As a response to Thompson, filmmakerMichael McNulty released footage to support his counter-claim that the appearance of light was a reflection on aluminized insulation that was torn from the wall and snagged on the vehicle. McNulty accused Thompson of "creative editing" in his filmWaco: An Apparent Deviation. Thompson worked from a VHS copy of the surveillance tape; McNulty was given access to a beta original. However, McNulty in turn was later accused of having digitally altered his footage, an allegation he denied.[3]
John Young of theWaco Tribune-Herald criticized the film, questioning the evidence behind Thompson's claims.[4]
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