Keywords: Alt-Right, Trump era, extremism, Antifa, SPLC, NAACP, documentary, Charlottesville, Adam Bhala Lough, civil rights, political polarization, Donald Trump
Introduction:
"Alt-Right: Age of Rage" is a 2018 documentary directed by Adam Bhala Lough. The film gives viewers a deep dive into the rise of the Alt-Right during the Trump era and the subsequent fightback from civil rights organizations. Given the political polarization in America today, the documentary's theme is more relevant than ever.
Synopsis:
The film chronicles the unexpected rise of the Alt-Right following Trump's victory, bringing a previously fringe movement into the limelight. It also portrays the counteraction from Antifa, the SPLC, and the NAACP. The narrative culminates in the tragic events of Charlottesville, a glaring example of the tensions boiling over in Trump's America.
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Analysis:
The documentary takes an investigative approach, delving deep into the major players on both sides. The research is thorough and the subject exploration is in-depth, offering viewers a comprehensive look at the rising extremism in America.
Historical and Factual Context:
The film provides a historical backdrop to the Alt-Right movement and contextualizes the role of Donald Trump's presidency in its rise.
Key themes in the film:
- The rise and mainstream acceptance of extremist ideologies
- The necessity and power of counteraction
- The role of political leadership in escalating or diminishing societal tensions
Film Comparisons:
Unlike other documentaries on iWonder about American politics, Alt-Right: Age of Rage starkly reveals the underbelly of extremism and the critical fight against it.
Noteworthy Moments:
The climax of the documentary, the Charlottesville incident, is a chilling reminder of the potential consequences of political polarization and extremism.
Reviews:
Likely due to its hard-hitting content on a polarising issue, the documentary received a moderate IMDB score of 6.2.
Conclusion:
Alt-Right: Age of Rage is a must-watch for those interested in understanding the current political climate in America. It offers a stark reality check on the rise of extremism and the urgent need for counteraction.
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Awards: 4 nominations: CPH:DOX, American Film Festival, Jihlava International Documentary Film Festival
PERSONALITIES:
Donald Trump: The 45th President of the United States, whose presidency saw a surge in the Alt-Right.
Representatives from civil rights organizations like the SPLC and the NAACP.
LOCATIONS:
Charlottesville, USA: The site of the tragic incident that culminated in the film.
Links for further exploration
- SPLC on the Alt-Right: https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/ideology/alt-right
- NAACP on racial discrimination: https://www.naacp.org/issues/racial-discrimination/
Key Questions Raised by the Film:
What are the long-term implications of such political polarization?
I wonder what the film would be in another art form:
Book: 1984 by George Orwell – both reveal disturbing realities about societal extremism.
Song: "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan – a call to action against injustice.
Art: Picasso's Guernica – a stark portrayal of the horrors of extremism and conflict.
Celebrity: Michael Moore, known for his hard-hitting political documentaries.
Colour: Red – signifying alarm and urgency.
Music Style: Hard rock – intense, loud, and hard-hitting.
