Blue Gold: American Jeans

Blue Gold: American Jeans (2014) is an intriguing documentary that delves into the fascinating world of blue jeans, their cultural significance, and the business around the epitome of American fashion: the classic denim jeans. Directed by Christian D. Bruun and featuring Edward Burns, Adriano Goldschmied, and Eric Schrader, this film showcases an aesthetic exploration of history, impact, and revolutionary changes in the fashion and textile industry through this seemingly humble garment.

The movie accounts the evolution of blue jeans, orchestrating it as a narrative of American history. The quintessential American garment has not just been a mere piece of clothing, but a significant entity that has consistently evolved parallel to America’s socio-cultural canvas. The documentary explains how jeans, associated initially with the working class, cowboys, and rebels, found its way into high-end fashion circles and evolved into the billion-dollar industry that it is today.

Blue Gold: American Jeans features an engaging interaction with Edward Burns, an established actor and a passionate collector of vintage jeans. His passion for vintage denim and his articulate insights into the culture and history associated with the iconic jeans fuel the narrative and add depth to the storyline. He mirrors the emotions, attachments, and sentiments of millions who wore and loved this iconic fashion piece.

Pivotal to the story, Adriano Goldschmied, known as the 'Godfather of Denim', provides a profound perspective on the denim industry, fashion trends, and his pivotal role in transforming jeans into a mainstream everyday essential. Known for his innovative techniques and for bringing Italian style to the blue denim, Goldschmied's take adds layers to the tale.

Eric Schrader, another central character, embodies the contemporary passion for denim. He's the founder of Schaeffer's Garment Hotel, a renowned denim repair shop and the maker of custom jeans, where people send their loved (and sometimes torn) jeans from all over the world for resurrection. Schrader embodies the nostalgic longing for vintage and originality that drives a significant portion of the denim market today.

Besides these engaging characters, the documentary also displays interviews with other collectors, historians, designers, and fashion influencers who provide varying angles of perception. Sample interviews include fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger, fashion journalist Alexander Fury, musician Marky Ramone, fashion writer Nathalie Atkinson and more. Blue Gold: American Jeans also explores the Infamous Japanese obsession with American denim and how Japan currently produces some of the world's best denim.

Also, a significant part of the story revolves around Venice's iconic Rialto Bridge that was enveloped in blue jeans in a distinctive art installation. This impactful documentation of such an ephemeral yet significant moment symbolically delivers the global impact and acceptance of this American sartorial invention.

Blue Gold: American Jeans masterfully blends visual aesthetics with insightful commentary capturing the spirit of the beloved blue jeans that transcends age, gender, and class. The iconic riveted invention that started as mere mining pants in the 1800s, now symbolizes the mantra of comfort, versatility, and beloved Americana; hence, emblemizing the term 'Blue Gold.'

The film isn't just about the appeal or trendiness of blue jeans. It goes deep into an anthropological examination of America's historical and cultural identity intertwined with this ubiquitous garment. It beautifully weaves narratives around denim, reflecting interesting facts about industrialization, consumer culture, globalization, and how a simple invention dramatically evolved into a massive cultural phenomenon.

Through riveting storytelling, stunning imagery, and excellent cinematography, viewers get to traverse through various stages of the jean's evolution, from their creation by Levi Strauss, the Gold Rush, the rebellious 60's, the punk movement, all through to the vintage craze and the predilection for distressed jeans. From regular folks to rock-n-roll to runways, the comprehensive account ensures an enthralling journey.

In essence, Blue Gold: American Jeans (2014) is a multi-dimensional journey through the past, present, and potentially the future of blue jeans, inviting viewers to comprehend and appreciate this universally loved garment beyond its fabric. This unique blend of historical analysis, personal testimonies, and the exploration of contemporary denim culture makes this film a must-watch for all fashion enthusiasts and lovers of vintage apparel. The film encourages audiences to take another look inside their wardrobes and understand the cultural history they're bearing.