Film Lens
The Recruiter is a 2008 documentary directed by Edet Belzberg that follows Sergeant First Class Clay Usie as he recruits new soldiers in Houma, Louisiana. The film captures the struggles of enlisting teenagers who face various obstacles, such as low educational attainment and high rates of obesity and criminal records. Usie targets four high school seniors—Lauren, Matt, Bobby, and Chris—who see the Army as a solution to their future uncertainties.
Filmed in verite style over nine months, the documentary tracks the recruits from their last months of high school through basic training. It presents the realities of military life, including panic attacks and attempts to evade service. The film concludes with updates on the recruits' lives after training, providing a personal look at their transitions from civilians to soldiers amidst the backdrop of the Iraq War.
Why Watch
- •Follow Sgt. Clay Usie in Houma, Louisiana.
- •See the struggles of four teenagers facing enlistment.
- •Meet recruits transitioning to military life.
Did You Know
•One in four high school graduates cannot pass the military entrance exam.
•The film was shot over a nine-month period.
•Sgt. Usie believes every American should serve their country.
Perfect For
Military recruitmentHigh school experiencesDocumentary enthusiasts