In Morris' previous film, you hear him ask questions but never really see him. In "American Dharma", he's right there, in Bannon's face... and on camera. It's personal. This was personal for Morris, "I'm afraid of you guys." I love that decision.
As for the film itself, it was a brilliant psychological analysis of someone (and something) that not many people are willing to properly analyze. A recognition of a sentiment within America that lusts for revolution. Why revolution? Well, Bannon has his say. And Morris has his. But that's the easy stuff. The stuff on the surface.
Where this film really gets interesting is Morris' juxtaposition of Bannon's favorite films and Bannon himself. These stoic, heroic, "All-American" figures like John Wayne or Alec Guiness in "Bridge Over The River Kuai" that do things based on their "dharma"... purpose, honor, duty. This is all well and good until Morris points out, "But, wait, all these character eventually breakdown emotionally with an epiphany of 'My God, what if I'm wrong?'" And, in a way, Bannon reaches that point by the end of Morris' film. Everything around him burns to the ground and he's left walking, alone, into a dark and dreary horizon.
All around, a complicated and beautifully executed documentary that forces the viewer to look at things that make them uncomfortable. In other words, exactly what a documentary should be.
As for the film itself, it was a brilliant psychological analysis of someone (and something) that not many people are willing to properly analyze. A recognition of a sentiment within America that lusts for revolution. Why revolution? Well, Bannon has his say. And Morris has his. But that's the easy stuff. The stuff on the surface.
Where this film really gets interesting is Morris' juxtaposition of Bannon's favorite films and Bannon himself. These stoic, heroic, "All-American" figures like John Wayne or Alec Guiness in "Bridge Over The River Kuai" that do things based on their "dharma"... purpose, honor, duty. This is all well and good until Morris points out, "But, wait, all these character eventually breakdown emotionally with an epiphany of 'My God, what if I'm wrong?'" And, in a way, Bannon reaches that point by the end of Morris' film. Everything around him burns to the ground and he's left walking, alone, into a dark and dreary horizon.
All around, a complicated and beautifully executed documentary that forces the viewer to look at things that make them uncomfortable. In other words, exactly what a documentary should be.