As someone who has spent years navigating the complexities of American politics and society, I find Michael Premo’s film, “Homegrown,” to be a captivating exploration of the human condition amidst polarizing times. The film masterfully weaves together the personal lives and political beliefs of its subjects in a way that challenges our preconceived notions about Trump supporters.
Using “Homegrown,” filmmaker Michael Premo immerses himself within Trump supporters, including some affiliated with the far-right Proud Boys group, ahead of the 2020 election to create a captivating depiction of individuals often portrayed negatively or disregarded by mainstream media. Alternatively, these individuals are frequently the target of humor from satirists such as Jordan Klepper from “The Daily Show.”
Despite allowing his subjects ample opportunity to express their conservative opinions, Premo’s documentary also shows them displaying affectionate moments with their loved ones or enjoying simple family activities. Some of these subjects are multi-ethnic and claim they don’t align with the racist ideologies often associated with MAGA supporters, although they continue to promote the supposed superiority of Western culture. However, Homegrown does not idolize or praise its subjects. In fact, it portrays them engaging in violent demonstrations and, as illustrated by one subject named Christopher Quaglin, participating in the January 6, 2021 insurrection. Remarkably, Premo (who happens to be African American) captured Quaglin up close amidst the chaos, as the mob attempted to storm the Capitol building.
Making its debut at the Venice Film Festival’s Critics’ Week segment, the film “Homegrown” is likely to be distributed further, but its detached, observational style might not appeal to programmers and viewers who anticipate fiery critiques of the political views presented within. It’s unfortunate that a captivating character, Thad from the Proud Boys, takes a significant absence from the narrative for an extended period, reappearing near the end after undergoing substantial life transformations that the filmmakers may not have been able to capture on camera.
This describes Quaglin, a New Brunswick, New Jersey resident who splits his time between attending rallies and protests, constructing cabinets and shelves (for his new baby, as well as his collection of assault rifles), and hanging out with friends who share his political views. His partner, a nurse, often calls to remind him to wear a mask at protests to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but he usually disregards her advice. The camera merely captures these moments, making it seem as if we’re watching the pilot for a dark comedy series about an irresponsible father figure, similar to shows like “The Honeymooners” or “Married… With Children,” except with added elements of political unrest and conspiracy theories.
Incidentally, Quaglin reveals that his partner is ethnically Chinese, but was raised by Caucasian parents who lean Democrat, while their daughter backs Trump and aligns with her husband on the MAGA ideology (excluding the COVID conspiracy theories, presumably). This complex blend of political views makes Homegrown particularly intriguing, considering that backing for Trump is reportedly increasing among African American and Latino voters, as suggested by recent polls for the 2024 election.
Exploring the intricacy of identity among these characters becomes apparent as we delve into Thad’s story, a Texan whose ethnicity is subtly ambiguous in his on-screen portrayal (Premo refers to him as a conservative Latino in his director’s statement). Thad appears to be striving to unite his conservative acquaintances with Jacarri, inviting the latter to address a rally in Salt Lake City, potentially hoping to demonstrate that conservatism and anti-racism can coexist. Regrettably, when these contrasting groups come together, the volatile reactions imply that this was never going to be an effortless task, whether it happened in 2020 or today.
Fundamentally, while the filmmaking here is captivating, it doesn’t offer significant new insights about the so-called Patriot movement from a rhetorical, cinematic, or political science perspective. However, Premo’s dedication and tenacity are evident, particularly when you consider his proximity to the action during the Capitol riot, allowing for raw, unfiltered footage of every push and shove. This intense sequence, filled with previously unreleased shots and recordings presumably handed over to authorities and the January 6th Congressional Commission, is as chilling, distressing, and repugnant as the numerous other clips we’ve seen from different sources.
However, considering the latest attempt by Democrats to underscore the absurdity of the right, some of the most humorous scenes might not involve the violent passages, but rather the scenes where Quaglin and his friends appear comically incompetent, petty, and downright foolish as they react dramatically to the mere presence of Antifa opponents. There’s an element of Keystone Cops in their bravado, and it’s likely that many liberal viewers will find it hard to resist a good laugh at them.
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2024-08-30 15:26