Gore Vidal: The United States Of Amnesia

Gore Vidal: The United States Of Amnesia is an enigmatic documentary that delves into the life and works of one of the greatest thinkers and writers in contemporary American history, Gore Vidal. This 2013 film was directed by Nicholas Wrathall and features interviews with Vidal himself alongside his long-time partner Howard Auster, and actor James Best among others. This thought-provoking film threads a tapestry of in-depth analyses of the powerhouse that was Gore Vidal, by exploring his works, his philosophy, and his considerable impact on American society and literature.

Central to this documentary is the strikingly powerful presence of Gore Vidal himself. Known for his biting wit, subversive intellect, and his openly critical viewpoint on American political institutions, Vidal was an outsider navigating through the echelons of American intellectual and political life. His unique perspective and vast intellect made him an invaluable tour guide through the inner workings of politics, society, and the human condition. Wrathall frames Vidal against a backdrop of the tumultuous times he lived, times he uncompromisingly critiqued.

Gore Vidal: The United States Of Amnesia provides us glimpses into Vidal's childhood, his upbringing, his early recognition of his homosexuality, his unflinching examinations of the society and the world all through his own piercing gaze. It also takes us on a voyage through his prolific career which spanned a multitude of genres and mediums, from essays, and novels to screenplays and theatre. The documentary also features a significant focus on his entrancing public persona that saw him become one of America's favorite, yet most controversial public intellectuals.

Throughout the film, we are privy to interviews with a broad spectrum of people who knew or were influenced by him. Vidal's partner, Howard Auster, provides an intimate focus on the man behind the public mask, humanizing him beyond the realm of intellectual enormity. James Best, a close acquaintance and a well-known actor, contributes anecdotes revealing the charm and charisma of Vidal. With these intimate perspectives, Wrathall constructs an enriched multi-faceted portrait of Vidal that captures the essence of his allure.

The film is not only about the man but also about the principles he stood for. Known for his radical and often controversial views on the USA, its policies, politics, and society, Vidal's sardonic commentary serves as the lifeblood of the narrative. Carefully chosen extracts from his novels, plays, and essays surface throughout the film, providing insight into Vidal's genius and his critique of the American empire. A particularly pertinent theme that persistently underscores the film is his concept of The United States Of Amnesia, titling the film. Here Vidal insinuates the American propensity to forget its past, particularly interventions and incursions in global politics.

Director Nicholas Wrathall masterfully intersperses the story of Vidal's life with his chastening critique of American society. The documentary is not only a robust exploration of Vidal’s perspectives, but it also presents an oddly chilling echo to contemporary times, given Vidal’s prophetic understanding of the trajectory the United States was headed towards. It explores how Vidal’s life has shaped his philosophy and how that philosophy saw Vidal take on titanic figures in American life, from Truman Capote to William F. Buckley.

Gore Vidal: The United States Of Amnesia pays homage to one of the sharpest, most provocative American intellectuals of the 20th century. It dives deep into the complex labyrinth that was Gore Vidal's mind, his life, and his indelible influence on American literature and discourses. All the while, the movie retains a beautiful resonance with the issues and concerns of the present times, making it not only a retrospective journey but also a contemplative meditation on the current political and social ambience of the country.

Packed with insightful interviews, an unbiased narrative, and intimate stories from the life of the enigmatic Gore Vidal, this documentary is a must-watch for those curious about American history, literature, politics, and one man who walked the line between them all like no other. This film dives not only into Vidal's life but also provides a provocative look at the United States as seen through the eyes of an unflinchingly honest witness, making Gore Vidal: The United States Of Amnesia a rare and valuable jewel in the realm of biographical documentaries.