Our Towns

Our Towns is a compelling, complex yet subtle portrayal of ordinary American life that resonates powerfully in today's sociopolitical climate. Directed by Steven Ascher and Jeanne Jordan, the movie is based on the best-selling book by journalists Deborah and James Fallows. Both Fallows make their presence well-known and serve as our guides through the maze of these often-overlooked corners of America.

Our Towns takes us on a captivating journey, backdropped by a plethora of stunning, sweeping panoramas of urban landscapes and small town intimate spaces. It's a documentary that gives voice to the everyday American citizen, harnessing the power of people to reshape their communities in the face of adversity, and laying bare the nation’s divisive politics and financial struggles.

Throughout the film, Deborah and James Fallows travel to various small towns across the United States that have experienced major socio-economic shifts, generally sparked by industry loss or massive migration. Using a single-engine prop airplane, bolting from one town to another, they examine how these communities are reinventing themselves, their impact on the broader national story, and their shared characteristics that epitomize the resilience of the American spirit.

In Our Towns, each town visited is distinct but shares the same narrative of striving for growth and resurgence. They include cities that were once industrial powerhouses now affected by industrial decline, such as Youngstown, Ohio; the coastal retreat of Eastport, Maine; or the once sleepy college town of San Bernardino now infamous for gun violence.

The filmmakers take viewers into the heart of these communities, capturing intimate moments that reveal their unique identity. They delve into conversations with local frontrunners, educators, immigrants, students, and workers. This gives audiences an insider look at each town, providing access to their struggles, triumphs, history, and cultural joy.

The beauty of Our Towns is that it artfully elucidates how these communities have sought to revive their local resources and thrive, despite challenges. These stories are a testament to the bold citizens who are strategizing and pioneering to address issues like economic development, racial disparity, unemployment, and education disparities.

The film is an intriguing mix of reportage, personal sleuthing — piecing together the pieces of the American Dream, and a poignant social commentary. While it paints a nuanced picture of the myriad local issues facing these towns, it also celebrates the resilience and tenacity of the citizens who refuse to give up the fight.

A highlight of Our Towns is its exceptional cinematography. From sweeping shots of America's majestic landscapes to intimate portraits of its citizens, the film presents a visual feast that adds a whole new dimension to the narrative. The music score complements the cinematography superbly, aiding the emotional journey that the viewers undertake while watching the film.

Overall, Our Towns is marked by its optimism and hope. It is a clarion call for the rest of America, highlighting that even amidst daunting challenges, there is a thriving spirit of resilience, innovation, and community that is alive and well in the country's smaller towns, regardless of their geographic or sociopolitical realities.

In conclusion, Our Towns is not just an exploration or in-depth study of American towns — it's a celebration of them. The film frames these towns as microcosms of the American Dream and its particular challenges. It captures the heartbeat of the American people, ignites sympathy, understanding, and invites viewers to empathize and engage with the stories it unfolds. Ascher and Jordan artfully construct a truly poignant and intimate portrayal of the perseverance, resilience, and innovative spirit of American communities, resulting in an inherently human, relatable, and quite profound documentary.