Sherman's March

Sherman's March, released in 1985, is a singular form of documentary filmmaking, blending the genres of travelogue, personal diary, and anthropological study. The film is an idiosyncratic, humorous exploration into aspects of Southern history, culture, and personal relationships. Ross McElwee, the film's director, serves as its protagonist, narrator, and main subject. Sherman's March is at once a historical journey, a romantic quest, and a deeply personal self-study.

The film's title derives from Union General William Tecumseh Sherman’s infamous Civil War-era march across the South, an early example of total war and a devastating event in Southern history. At first, McElwee, a native son of the South, harbors an intention to follow in Sherman’s footsteps, intending to capture the South's changing face and persistent cultural memory related to the Civil War. Thus, he initially plans a historical documentary involving a trip down memory lane to trace the impact and Southern perception of Sherman's destructive march.

However, Sherman's March takes an interestingly unorthodox turn as it gradually morphs into an intimate autobiographical film. As McElwee embarks on his journey through South Carolina, Georgia, and other southern states, the film begins to intertwine his experiences and encounters along this historical path with the contours of his own outlook on love, life, and relationships. This shift in focus is catalyzed by a heartbreak he faces at the start of his project.

An unforgettable array of characters keeps the audience engaged and amused at every juncture. Throughout the journey, McElwee's encounters and interactions range from old flames and acquaintances to total strangers, whose open and candid dialogue about their own lives and views often lend an undeniable charm to the documentary. The affable personalities he encounters include an aspiring actress, a survivalist, and his own family members, all of whom create a rich tapestry of individuals representing different threads of Southern life.

Ross McElwee's style of filmmaking in Sherman's March is distinct, spontaneous, and deeply personal. The film is shot primarily using a handheld camera, with McElwee placing himself at the center of the narrative. This innovative approach allows him to capture the raw intimacy of his subjects and episodes, resulting in a showcase that is brimming with vulnerability, heart, and humor. He transforms the conventional approach to documentary filmmaking, creating a unique reel where the filmmaker's evolving personal life influences the direction and mood of the film.

The beauty of Sherman's March lies in its resonance beyond the direct characters and themes. In pivoting away from the initial aim to investigate the South's historic scars, the film turns into an insightful examination of contemporary Southern society. It reflects thoughtfully on the modern world’s impact on lasting traditional Southern culture. This unique mood is further imbued by McElwee’s monologues, which complement the scenes with deep, introspective reflections on his encounters, life, and the overarching themes of the human condition.

Moreover, Sherman's March is distinctive for its integration of history and culture, a blend that gives it a multi-layered characteristic. It provides an interesting exploration of the tumultuous historical events and places them intelligently within the concept of modern Southern life. On a more universal plane, the film addresses love, relationships, and personal discovery. By intertwining his personal journey with the historical march, McElwee creates a fascinating alignment between the external journey and his internal one.

Furthermore, much of the film's compelling nature is due to its candid portrayal of the human condition, especially in relation to love and ambition. Sherman's March’s conversational and unguarded style, as well as its marriage of humor and melancholy, offer audiences a deeply engaging viewing experience. Sherman's March is best appreciated as a symbol of how history persists within the collective memory, and how personal histories are inescapably shaped by larger, societal histories. As McElwee's journey unfolds, the complexity of experiences and perspectives lends profound insights into human relationships, culture, history, and the self.

In a nutshell, Sherman's March (1985) remains a significant work in the panorama of documentary cinema, offering a fresh, unique perspective on the documentary genre. The film is an unforgettable exploration of personal and cultural identity, a testament to Ross McElwee's talent, and a powerful reminder of the inextinguishable impact that history and locale can have on personal narratives.