-Written by Kyle Bain.
In a relatively straightforward fashion, The American Question explores the root causes of division in American society and how we go about becoming more tolerant going forward. How do we ensure that the United States of America continues on a trajectory toward acceptance and greatness? How do we bring people from different backgrounds together and get them to understand one another? The American Question explores these questions and more.
I’ll be honest: I’ve grown tired of documentaries (which sucks, because I just recently expressed how intrigued by them I was). Sure, they are great to put on in the background while you’re working out, cleaning, etc., but they’ve lost their gusto, and I’ve struggled greatly to sit there and soak them in in real time. The American Question suffers as a result of that, at least as far as I’m concerned. Even through my struggles, however, there is something quite intriguing about The American Question, something that you don’t often see in film anymore, and it’s a breath of fresh air.
It’s hard to find a film, narrative or documentary, that presents divisive information in a fashion that is, itself, non-divisive. The American Question walks a fine line between left and right, liberal and conservative–and what it does so well is present information from both sides that allow viewers access to the documentary. Sure, there were times when I disagreed with things being said, but I was presented with legitimate arguments from both sides that allowed me to at least consider the truth behind what was being said. Those present in the film certainly press certain issues, but they never go too far, they never ostracize a specific side or point of view.
That’s what works for The American Question, but what doesn’t work is the fact that it moves so slowly. There’s not really anything that Director James Kicklighter can do to fix that, as I really do believe that he has taken the best course of action in order to create an honest and accurate documentary. That doesn’t change the fact that some of the conversations present in the film drone on. It still becomes tiresome, challenging to remain focused.
The American Question is grounded, straightforward, right to the point–and that’s fine, it will appeal to the people that it’s meant to appeal to. However, as I mentioned, I’m growing tired of documentaries, and while that’s not necessarily fair to The American Question, the fact of the matter is that there were times throughout that I struggled to focus. That’s a me problem, and is certainly not the fault of the documentary.
Directed by James Kicklighter.
7/10 = WATCH IT FOR FREE
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