Deep Dive: American Dharma (2019)
Film Lens
American Dharma is a documentary directed by Errol Morris that focuses on the career of political strategist Steve Bannon. The film features a dialogue between Bannon and Morris, discussing Bannon's roles at Breitbart News, as chief executive of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, and on the National Security Council. The documentary is structured into five segments, each addressing different aspects of Bannon's beliefs and influences, interspersed with film clips and archival footage.
The documentary uses a set designed to replicate the air-strip and Quonset hut from the 1949 film Twelve O'Clock High, which reflects Bannon's fascination with cinema. Morris's approach includes watching clips from various films while discussing their impact on Bannon's views. The film was released on November 1, 2019, and has received mixed reviews, with a 62% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 60 reviews.
Why Watch
- •See Steve Bannon's insights on Trump's campaign.
- •Watch film clips that shaped Bannon's beliefs.
- •Meet Errol Morris's unique interview style.
Did You Know
•The film grossed $51,891 after 10 weeks of release.
•Errol Morris interviewed Steve Bannon for five days between February and April 2018.
•American Dharma was inspired by Michael Wolff's book Fire and Fury.
•The film features clips from 12 different movies, including Twelve O'Clock High.
Perfect For
Political strategy enthusiastsFilm analysis fansDocumentary lovers