America Lost

While the warm cinematography, sensitive camera work, and attentive editing are to be praised, this documentary is yet another example of a contemporary production that lacks a proper, engaging storytelling.

After the reporter (from WaPo if I remember well) mentions something like "journalists are supposed to show cause and effect" I told myself: well here's the theme that will be explored!

Not really, or at least partially.

It would have been necessary to follow someone: the young lady who finishes high school and is about to leave the depressing town seemed a good starting point but nope.

We get one depressing story after another in a repetitive, hopeless loop of wasted humanity. While it's "easy" to be sympathetic it's impossible to relate, root and really emphasize with any of them: not enough time on screen. I already can't remember any of them.

Also:

• a touch of entertainment here and there is very much needed when tackling such subject
• the VO is poetic and well written but personally sounds too preachy .