As a scholar of sociology, I have spent countless hours observing, analyzing, and understanding the complexities of human behavior and societal structures. The three documentaries I recently watched – #UNTRUTH, The Accidental President, and Trump 2024: The World After Trump – all provide fascinating insights into one of the most polarizing figures in modern American politics: Donald J. Trump.
In more relaxed terms: Donald Trump, who served as the 45th President of the U.S and is seeking re-election this November, has been one of the most divisive political figures in recent American history. It’s challenging to think of another former president that evoked such strong reactions across the ideological divide. In a country heavily influenced by identity politics, people tend to strongly dislike whoever stands against their preferred party. However, Trump’s campaigns have seen an escalation in the intensity of disputes, with his candidacy once again stirring up passions.
In everyday terms, it seems that the fuel for most debates is more about the personalities involved rather than their proposed policies. The majority of American voters often lack knowledge or show little interest in the specific policies advocated by their preferred candidates, instead focusing on how a candidate’s speeches, commercials, and ads resonate with them emotionally.
Trump’s carefully crafted image resonates deeply with his loyal followers, who stand by him unwaveringly. Historical presidential scandals, like the Clinton-Lewinsky affair and Watergate, often led to some level of doubt among supporters. Yet, Trump’s recent felony conviction for election interference in 2016 and questionable relationship with Stormy Daniels appear to have strengthened his popularity within his base. Discover more about these scandals and other intriguing aspects of Trump’s life by watching our selection of 8 compelling documentaries dedicated to Donald Trump.
8 Trump: An American Dream (2017)
Currently Streaming on Netflix
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the British-produced mini-series, “An American Dream.” This gripping tale delves into the career journey of Donald Trump, focusing on his business endeavors that dominated his life before his unexpected shift towards politics. Notably, Trump stood out as the first U.S. president without prior political or military service, residing in the White House instead.
Trump: An American Dream Is Eye-Opening and Informative
The fact-based miniseries functions as an insightful guide to understanding Donald Trump, particularly for those who primarily recognize him from his catchphrase “YOU’RE FIRED!” on The Apprentice. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes identify capitalism, political disillusionment, reality TV, and social media as significant American phenomena that Trump has leveraged to propel himself to unprecedented heights. A Reddit user commented that the documentary was enlightening, causing him to reassess his perception of Trump’s “coolness,” leaving him puzzled as to how such a business tycoon managed to secure the presidency.
7 Unprecedented (2022)
Currently Streaming on Max
This three-part series from 2022 explores the time leading to Donald Trump’s loss during the 2020 presidential election. It delves into the events that followed in November and provides a detailed account of the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. The series features interviews with the former president as well as his three children, his son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner, along with several journalists and reporters.
Unprecedented Mini-Series Goes Easy on Donald Trump
According to director Alex Holder, the release of his documentary stirred up so much commotion that he had to hire security. He said the project made people form opinions about him.
Holder stated that he decided to be polite during interviews with Trump’s close advisors to prevent being dismissed. Journalist Michael Arceneaux criticized the focus on the entertaining aspects of the Trump era, advocating instead for greater examination of its impact on America. It seems that the main concern might arise from the fact that a title like “Unprecedented” could imply unpredictable content when in reality it may not have been as unexpected as suggested.
6 Stormy (2024)
Currently Streaming on Peacock
The upcoming documentary on Peacock’s March 2024 schedule focuses on Stormy Daniels, a well-known figure, as she endeavors to restore her life and reputation following her involvement in a contentious relationship with Donald Trump. In the spring of 2024, Trump faced trial due to accusations that he illegally paid hush money to Daniels, who is recognized for her work in adult films. Daniels claimed in court that she received a $130,000 payment prior to the 2016 election to remain silent about a clandestine meeting at a hotel with the candidate.
Useful if Not Shocking
A stormy film offers a detailed account of the reality star’s interaction with Donald Trump, which could be valuable for understanding the origins of his hush-money scandal. While some viewers appreciate it for portraying a clever side of Daniels, critics like Wade Major from FilmWeek argue that the documentary feels outdated, offering little new information compared to the extraordinary events we’ve experienced since Trump assumed office eight years ago.
5 #UNFIT: The Psychology of Donald Trump (2020)
Currently Streaming Free on Tubi
Instead of just presenting facts, this resource delves into speculation from mental health experts and physicians regarding Donald Trump’s psychological condition, stability, and suitability for office. They also provide opinions on how his leadership has impacted the country’s cultural landscape. Although it includes some informational interviews with medical professionals, the medical aspect may not be entirely essential.
‘Dollhouse’ Producer Gives a Critique on Donald Trump
The movie “Unfit” was helmed by director Dan Partland, who’s famed for co-producing a 1995 dark comedy about schoolyard bullying that remains pertinent today. While the film’s application of psychoanalysis might seem overly aggressive, it sometimes appears as though critics are using their expertise to attack an unpopular politician. Despite this, the documentary is worth viewing for its enlightening interviews with several individuals previously associated with Trump, such as advisor Kellyanne Conway, intelligence officer Malcolm Nance, and chief strategist Steve Bannon.
4 One Nation Under Trump (2016)
Currently Streaming Free on Youtube
Donald Trump, who counts Candace Owens and former DC star Zachary Levi among his celebrity supporters, was featured in Jim Gufferson’s One Nation Under Trump shortly before the 2016 election. Mostly compiled of clips from Donald Trump’s speeches, the project has been called more of a commercial than a true documentary.
Gufferson’s Effective Promotional Piece Sheds Light on Campaign Strategy
Regardless of personal feelings towards him, Trump’s large base of devoted followers suggests that his campaigning techniques are worth examining. The movie is valuable for those who disagree with Trump as it provides insight into his activities, which should not be overlooked. A crucial point to consider is the questionable title of the piece suggesting Trump could “overthrow the establishment” in Washington. This kind of language made supporters view Trump as an unconventional, incorruptible candidate, when his behavior has demonstrated the opposite.
In essence, Trump’s actions have been quite favorable towards the long-standing corporate elite that holds significant influence over our government. One illustration of this support is his selection of Patrick Shanahan, a previous Boeing executive, as his acting defense secretary. This appointment raised eyebrows because shortly after taking on his new role, Shanahan was accused of using his position to lobby for Boeing to secure lucrative military contracts. As Grace Blakely’s book “Vulture Capitalism” suggests, the relationship between corporations and government under Trump may have been more intertwined than ever before.
3 #UNTRUTH: The Psychology of Trumpism (2024)
Currently Streaming on Apple TV
As a discerning movie critic, I find myself delving once more into the thought-provoking world of director Dan Partland, following his 2020 release, #UNFIT. In #UNTRUTH, we embark on an enlightening journey through the current landscape of misinformation, distorted narratives, and outright deceit that has seeped into the core of American politics and culture. This time, however, the focus shifts from Trump’s personal psychological makeup to a critical examination of the profound impact his ideology has had on the collective psyche of the American populace and society at large.
#UNTRUTH Highlights America’s Deep Divide Over Trumpism
One aspect that truly strikes me in the film “#UNTRUTH” is the staggering divide between Trump’s followers and critics, a chasm that has grown significantly during his political journey. As Joe Walsh, a former Tea Party Conservative, puts it in the trailer, “America is on the brink of being irreversibly fractured. Our democracy today teeters precariously.” This sentiment is underscored by footage of Trump supporters waving signs declaring “TRUMP WON” following his 2020 defeat to Joe Biden, painting a vivid picture of America’s extreme political polarization. The film promises an insightful and sobering examination of this deep-rooted division in our society.
2 The Accidental President (2020)
Currently Streaming on Prime Video
The Unforeseen President
A Look at How Donald Trump Won the 2016 Election
The movie presents balanced theories and clarifications regarding the question that has puzzled voters since his unexpected victory. Remarkable insights are provided by Piers Morgan, who contends that Trump mastered manipulating media via television due to his past as a TV personality. Other analysts suggest that Americans have an affinity for provocative content, and Trump’s critics underestimated the public’s fascination with unconventional, attention-grabbing behavior from a political candidate on screen.
1 Trump 2024: The World After Trump (2020)
Currently Streaming on Youtube
As a movie critic, I found myself watching “Trump 2024,” a documentary-style production that seems more like a promotional piece for the former president. The film features notable conservatives such as Mike Huckabee, Dennis Prager, Alveda King, and Tony Perkins. The creators claim it will “Stir the Souls of the People.” However, with a dismal 1/10 rating on IMDb, one reviewer labels it a “propaganda endeavor.
Trump 2024 Documentary Advertises Donald Trump as an Anti-Establishment Hero
The key point to understand from this documentary-style advertisement is the image it conveys about Donald Trump’s motives and beliefs. A satisfied viewer on YouTube praised Trump as an “anti-globalist, anti-establishment, anti-corruption champion,” but his actual actions, like his dealings with Boeing, contradict this portrayal. In fact, a team of sociologists from Florida State University’s department have written a journal article exploring Trump’s anti-establishment persona and its appeal to voters.
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2024-10-20 19:02