Vindicating Trump

Dinesh D'Souza has done it again. He's made another political film that will be loved by some and hated (and completely ignored) by others. It has his typical formula of mixing fact and what some might think is questionable information, wrapped up in a sensationalized story. The few movies I've seen of his do peek my interest even though I often wonder where is the proof. I do believe some of what he says is true and others I question mainly because they are so controversial. Since he doesn't prove his story beyond all doubt then it is hard to buy it all hook line and sinker. Since there will always be people who debunk or deny the validity of his facts he is always doubted. So, I take a wait and see approach. I hope future historians will shed light on the events of the last 20 some years with a less biased eye on both sides. However, even that I'm not wholly confident will ever happen. So...I wait and see. This film focused on Trump, mostly since 2015 to present, but there are a few references to before then. Unfortunately, I only heard things I already knew. There wasn't definitive proof offered. Even though I believe a lot of it I don't see anyone who doesn't believe these facts to be swayed at all. The storytelling format was "factual history" dramatized, as most of his other movies do, so it comes off as rather corny. In between the drama Dinesh acts as narrator and interviewer. There were some funny parts where I and others in the theater laughed. Since I already knew the information covered it did seem long. Probably won't see it again. Can't say I'll recommend it much because I know most people won't believe it and Dinesh can be polarizing. You either think he is a good investigator, historian and interviewer or you don't.

Tough to watch at times, due to the reality of the corruption and devisiveness we're seeing in our country. This documentary by Dinesh was well produced and included behind the scenes footage and information to give the viewer a clearer picture of what is happening with our elections and politics. Much actual footage was used to illustrate the corruption and frankly it was shocking to learn that anyone can order ballots to be printed and submitted. The only one who would think this was acceptable would be someone who wants to control the election outcome, vs respect the voice of the people. It needs to be corrected. Corruption at so many levels...

This is a movie well worth seeing with the Election drawing near. Dinesh D'Souza has made a movie, which tops the previous three. The use of actors to help tell the story of the Establishment's crackdown on the American people improves pacing. Casting Nick Searcy as a Democrat operative is a stroke of brilliance. The movie's dark humor is a welcome surprise. Some things could have been done better. John Wayne makes for a better Western hero than Clint Eastwood. There could have been some discussion about how deep state will be dealt with if Trump regains White House. Still an amazing film. Stay past the beginning of the closing credits.

This should be required watch for every voting age American citizen. Learn about the man and grandfather, how he sacrifices his wealth and freedom to help us citizens and the country. Learn how Democrats and their media demonize him. Learn how Democrats weaponized and corrupted the justice system to attack him, silence him, bankrupt him, and try to put him in prison. Learn undercover how the Democrats cheat to steal elections, how they buy and manufacture fraudulent and illegal mailed and drop box ballots, and ruin the integrity of our election system. Learn about Kamala Harris policies that would destroy our economy and our country.

To characterize Vindicating Trump as a documentary would be a disservice to potential audience. The film does portray a factual story about real people and events, but it unfolds like a non-fiction novel, allowing director Dinesh D'Souza to convey perspectives that are largely absent from mainstream media coverage.

The effectiveness of the narrative clearly demonstrates that D'Souza seized the mastery of the film medium by skillfully combining archival footage with dramatic reenactments, using tight pacing, moving soundtrack, and emotional cues to create a visceral narrative that challenges entrenched preconceptions. It is evident that the Director has a pretty good sense that a well-constructed footage can transcend the barriers of chronological, cultural, intellectual, and ideological boundaries as it instantly cuts to the core of the matter at a visceral, rather than cognitive level, prompting a reappraisal of one's values.

At the risk of digressing for a moment, I feel compelled to share some of the decades-old memories that Vindicating Trump unexpectedly brought to the forefront of my psyche. Growing up in Odessa, Ukraine during the Soviet era, my first movie experience occurred at age five when my father took me to see Battleship Potemkin - a 1925 silent Russian epic - also a non-fiction novel format - about a revolt aboard a battleship by the sailors (lower classes) against the ship's officers (the elites). The scene of the Odessa Steps massacre, including the baby carriage teetering on the edge of one of the steps, was permanently etched in my brain. The significance of the events taking place on these very steps I personally walked on nearly every day was lost on me at the time (a five-year-old's frame of reference and sense of proportion are rather limited). What wasn't lost on me was the fact that despite the 30-year age difference, both my father and I seemed equally affected by the disturbing sequence that follows the pram with the above-mentioned baby rolling down the steps amidst the bloody carnage. What the Vindicating Trump creators proved again is that a well-constructed footage can transcend the barriers of chronological, cultural, intellectual, and ideological boundaries as it instantly cuts to the core of the matter at a visceral, rather than cognitive level. It is no surprise therefore that Dinesh D'Souza chose the film media to tackle the entrenched Trump derangement syndrome and tell the story in a way that challenges the entrenched biases.

D'Souza's storytelling talent led me to explore more about the man behind the work. Unsurprisingly, Dinesh D'Souza is a true Renaissance figure-a prolific author, public speaker, debater, and filmmaker. His boldness stands out, especially in taking on figures like Obama and Hillary Clinton in ways few have dared. On top of that, he manages to host a daily, hour-long podcast where he delves into key political issues, interviews relevant guests, and, unexpectedly, offers insightful book reviews. (It seems Dinesh accomplishes more before breakfast than I do in a week!)

Moving forward, I'm eager to dive into his earlier books and films. Based on his impressive body of work, I wouldn't be surprised if D'Souza is eventually recognized as one of the more consequential intellectuals of our time, alongside thinkers like Thomas Sowell and Victor Davis Hanson.