Best Bar in America

Best Bar in America is a distinctive and creative film that artfully combines the elements of documentary, narrative storytelling, and road adventure. Released in 2013, the movie is an entertaining and thought-provoking cinematic exploration of the evolving American bar culture. Shot with a sense of authenticity, Best Bar in America challenges the traditional formats of storytelling and presents an enthralling blend of humor, human connection, and an honest exploration of American society.

The film follows the journey of Sanders, portrayed skillfully by David Ackroyd. A character infatuated with the entire concept of bars, Sanders embarks on a coast-to-coast motorcycle expedition across the United States with the objective of finding the best bar in America. What starts as a professional endeavor evolved into a quest that eventually becomes Sanders' personal mission. The film shines a light on the role of taverns in America, portraying them as the heart of various communities, as places where people unravel their stories, find solace, joy, bonds, and sometimes even a sense of community and belongingness.

Sanders, equipped with his wry humor and vintage motorcycle, turns the lens on a series of pubs, taverns, and bars, each with its own unique tale to tell. While his quest is to find the best bar, in the process, the multiple stops and interactions tell us the story of America, its people, their history, and their values. Each bar visit provides Sanders an opportunity to interact with a wide spectrum of personalities – veteran barflies, dedicated barkeepers, and everyday folk, each with their unique perspective.

The movie, directed by Damon Ristau and Eric Ristau, is truly a homage to the bar culture in America. Without romanticizing or judging, the film mirrors the bar as a cultural institution that has survived and evolved through generations, resisting the changing times and persistently serving as a refuge for people from all walks of life. Cinematographers Damon and Eric Ristau deliver a visually astounding narrative, making full use of the diverse landscapes of America. The visual tale runs in tandem with the thoughtful exploration of the nature and importance of local bars and the human connections they foster.

Best Bar in America uniquely melds elements of documentary-style interviews with narrative storytelling. The film creatively balances dialogue, character development, and visual representation to keep the audience engaged. The soundtrack, featuring regional and indie musicians, adds another layer to the exploration of American culture.

David Ackroyd brings life to Sanders with his grounded, thoughtful, and authentic performance. He perfectly captures the nuances of a character who is on a journey of discovery. Each conversation feels real, the laughter genuine, and the introspective moments thought-provoking.

As Sanders journeys through the American heartland, he experiences all the unpredictability of the open road. In this sense, the movie is also about exploration and freedom; it's a love letter to the open road and to the spirit of travel. The film subtly hints at the philosophy that the joy resides in seeking, not the finding - a metaphor that can be applied to both Sanders' journey and life itself.

Underneath the layers of humor, bar anecdotes, and the overall narrative, the movie also subtly comments on deeper issues like loneliness, the human need for companionship and acceptance, and the societal function these establishments serve by building communities and fostering relationships.

Filmmaker brothers Damon Ristau and Eric Ristau successfully create a film that makes you contemplate notions of belonging, the meaning of community and connection while lending a deep understanding and appreciation for the American bar. Their documentary-style approach crafts an immersive film experience where the audience can almost smell the beer soaked into the wooden bar counters and hear the laughter and hushed conversations echoing off the walls.

Despite its specific focus on bars, you don't need to be a bar enthusiast to enjoy Best Bar in America, as it offers more than just a story about a man's quest. It's a poignant, often funny, exploration of American life and culture, told through a tapestry of rich and colorful bar stories. Whether you view it as a travel narrative, a sociological exploration, a celebration of Americana, or simply an intriguing quest, Best Bar in America will raise your spirits and leave a lasting impression.