Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train

Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train is a captivating and thought-provoking 2004 documentary film featuring Oscar-winner Matt Damon as the narrator, along with appearances by notable figures like historian and activist Daniel Berrigan and, of course, the title character Howard Zinn himself. Directed by Deb Ellis and Denis Mueller, the film presents a comprehensive exploration of the life and times of one of America's most influential thinkers.

Known as a historian, activist and author of several books including "A People's History of the United States," Howard Zinn tirelessly presented an alternative, more inclusive perspective of history, one viewed through the lens of those on the fringes of society. The film carries Zinn's ethos, delving into the depths of his embodiment of activism, and his dedication to justice and equality with rigor and authenticity, offering the audiences a detailed and nuanced look into the life of a historian who believed that objectivity in history does not exist, as the title suggests.

The documentary primarily covers the years 1956–2004, tracing Zinn's career from his commitment as a labor rights activist, through his appointment to the civil rights movement, and his opposition to the Vietnam War and the Iraq invasion. Drawing extensively from Zinn's own archive footage and interviews from his colleagues and friends, the film provides a robust account of Zinn's influence on American political thought and action, and completing the picture of an extraordinary human being.

The fluid narration by Matt Damon, a long-time fan and student of Zinn, binds the documentary together. Damon's passionate and often poignant delivery shines a spotlight on Zinn's gripping quotes, speeches, and teachings, allowing them to resonate with audiences in a very human and emotionally tangible way. With Damon's narration, Zinn's tale is told in an engaging and impactful way that grips the audience from start to finish.

Complementing Zinn's life story, the film features interviews with academicians, activists, and celebrities like Alice Walker, Noam Chomsky, and Daniel Ellsberg, bringing to light several sides of the man they knew, respected, and admired. Moreover, exclusive interviews with Zinn himself provide an intimate understanding of his ideas and give his thoughts a contextual understanding.

Exploring Zinn's unwavering belief in the power of people's movements, the film frequently returns to Zinn's protest participation — the Civil Rights movement, anti-Vietnam War rallies, and worker strikes. Images from the historic March on Washington, freedom rides in the South, and anti-Vietnam War protests in Boston serve more than as nostalgic touchpoints; they situate Zinn’s activism within these broader movements for democratic change and social justice.

In essence, Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train isn't just a biography of Howard Zinn — it's a biography of America in the modern era. It's an exploration of the struggles that have shaped American society since the 1950s, captured through the eyes and actions of one of the nation's most iconic thinkers and advocates. It paints a vivid picture of the fights fought, victories won, and the ongoing battles for a more equitable and inclusive society.

Drafted and paced with deliberate care, this documentary combines biography, philosophy, and civic lesson into an engrossing and compelling film. For those unfamiliar with Zinn's contributions to socio-political discourse, the film serves as an all-encompassing introduction, while admirers will gain a significant insight into his life beyond his writings. It is undeniably an essential viewing for anyone interested in American history, political sciences, activism, or just the riveting life and times of one of the most influential American historians, Howard Zinn.