Cast
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David McCullough
as Self - Narrator (voice)
Kevin Bacon
as Self - Reader: Declaration of Independence
Jack Black
as Self - Reader: Declaration of Independence
Tucker Carlson
as Self - Reader: Declaration of Independence
Common
as Self - Reader: Declaration of Independence
Bryan Cranston
as Self - Reader: Declaration of Independence
Anderson Cooper
as Self - Reader: Declaration of Independence
Robert De Niro
as Self - Reader: Declaration of Independence
Laura Dern
as Self - Reader: Declaration of Independence
Robert Duvall
as Self - Reader: Declaration of Independence
America Ferrera
as Self - Reader: Declaration of Independence
Morgan Freeman
as Self - Reader: Declaration of Independence
Sean Hannity
as Self - Reader: Declaration of Independence
Neil Patrick Harris
as Self - Reader: Declaration of Independence
Samuel L. Jackson
as Self - Reader: Declaration of Independence
Crew
Director
- Alexandra Pelosi
Producer
- Lisa Heller
- Alexandra Pelosi
- Larissa Bills
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Words That Built America represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Alexandra Pelosi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Words That Built America took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 49 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 98 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2406 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Words That Built America shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Society of the Spectacle, which focuses more on action than character development, The Words That Built America offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like It's Hard Being Loved by Jerks and La bataille de Saint-Léonard explore similar territory, The Words That Built America stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 4, 2017
- Runtime: 49m
Where to Watch
