This question goes out to my American readers – What does America mean to you? What do you think about our future? What do you think about your future?
These are the thought provoking questions that were asked of people from all walks of life, from across the United States, by Paul Blackthorne. Paul is from the United Kingdom but has stared in many popular shows here in the U.S. including CW’s Arrow (Quentin Lance), The Dresden Files, The River, and Lipstick Jungle. He has always loved our country and he was curious to know what we, Americans, think of our own country, especially during these tough economic times.
Along with a friend and a film crew, Paul drive from New York to Los Angeles, stopping along the way to talk to random people from all walks of life and ask them some questions about our country and what they thought about it. Not only that, conversations went on to what made people happy and what was important in their lives (many of which was NOT materialistic things). With their film footage they created the documentary This American Journey.
This is NOT a political documentary. I would consider this a documentary about life it’s self, as discussed from random people across the country – people from different backgrounds, faiths and ages. People discussed what was important to them and what they wanted to accomplish and experience during the brief time we’re alive.
Some responses were thought provoking, others were funny. Some people came off as being a bit bitter and others had this “happy go lucky” attitude about things.
Here is the trailer for your entertainment.
I enjoyed seeing what other towns look like. I’m all for the quintessential small town. In fact I would choose to live in a small town where everyone knows everyone and there is a great sense of community compared to a large city. I’m a “country bumpkin” at heart. 🙂
I like that the filmmakers picked random people. They were not looking for a specific type of person. They simply started to chat with people randomly. I think that gave them a larger assortment of answers compared to if they sought out a specific type of person.
Over all most people are hopeful and happy. There are a few responses that were not favorable about some of the current state of affairs with our country, but over all people are still in love with our country.
As I mentioned earlier, I wouldn’t consider this a political piece at all. I think it’s a film that paints a picture of the PEOPLE who live in the United States and how they think and what their hopes and dreams are for the future.
Sometimes when I watch documentaries I am left feeling angry or upset about something – or they scare the heebie jeebies out of me and I want to rid my own of potentially toxic or harmful things. That was not the case after watching This American Journey. It gave me a lot of food for thought. I found it insightful and even inspiring (some of the people they interviewed inspired me). I wouldn’t say it was entirely a “feel good” movie, but it didn’t leave me feeling angry or scared like other documentaries.
For more information visit the official website, www.ThisAmericanJourney.com. You can also check out the film on Facebook.
The film is available On Demand (Amazon & Hulu) as well as on DVD.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.