Anarchism in America (1983)

A colorful and provocative survey of anarchism in America, the film attempts to dispel popular misconceptions and trace the historical development of the movement. The film explores the ... See full summary »

Directors:

Steven Fischler, Joel Sucher

Writers:

Kristina Boden, Steven Fischler,

Stars:

Paul Avrich, Jello Biafra, Murray Bookchin

Cast

Credited cast:
Paul Avrich	...	Himself
Jello Biafra	...	Himself
Murray Bookchin	...	Himself
Karl Hess	...	Himself

Storyline

A colorful and provocative survey of anarchism in America, the film attempts to dispel popular misconceptions and trace the historical development of the movement. The film explores the movement both as a native American philosophy stemming from 19th century American traditions of individualism, and as a foreign ideology brought to America by immigrants. The film features rare archival footage and interviews with significant personalities in anarchist history including Murray Boochkin and Karl Hess, and also live performance footage of the Dead Kennedys.

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Plot Keywords:

libertarian

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 January 1983 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Pacific Street Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

75 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Anarchy In The UK"
(uncredited)
Performed by The Sex Pistols

User Reviews

disappointing documentary!

"Anarchism in America", a documentary from 1983, has arrived on DVD for the first time to share its knowledge and message to a new generation. Maybe that's the thought behind releasing this documentary on the often misunderstood subject of anarchy. The filmmakers set off on a trek across the United States in search of the anarchic voice. Through a well-intentioned, but amateurish approach, they take the viewer through a few bits of historical footage and information to offer a glimpse at the true nature of anarchism in America's past. These infrequent bits become nuisances to the true meat of the production, which is not footage of the team of filmmakers driving cross country (though there's plenty of that) or a last minute arrival of the punk band Dead Kennedys (which feels tacked on), but the interviews with a few highly studied and intelligent voices on the subject. A better film seemingly could have been made from this footage, but unfortunately none of that skill or realization is here. Maybe the point of making such a messy, under-realized film was a broader statement on anarchism, but that's not likely.