This American Journey

This American Journey is a thought-provoking 2013 documentary film featuring the talents of Paul Blackthorne and Mister Basquali. Directed by the duo themselves, the film navigates the intricacies, nuances, and beauty of American landscapes and culture, wrapped in a quest of personal rediscovery and exploration.

As Englishmen now living in America, Mister Basquali and Paul Blackthorne set out on a journey across the United States, driven by their love for their adopted homeland as well as their desire to understand the essence of the American Dream in the post-9/11 world. Experiencing America from coast to coast, the pair explore the nation's beautiful landscapes and immerse themselves in America's heart and soul, its people.

This American Journey does not succumb to the usual road-trip clichés. The vehicle used is not a vintage car or fancy RV, but rather a 1973 Airstream trailer. The focus is completely on the pair’s interaction with everyday Americans, whom they encounter during their travels. The truckers, waiters, farmers, veterans, and whoever else their paths cross during their trip become the core narrative of the film.

Blackthorne, an acclaimed actor known for his role in the hit TV series Arrow, and Basquali, a renowned photographer and filmmaker, use their artistic lenses to really capture the essence of the places they visit and the people they meet. They record their journey in intimate, sometimes profound, often endearing conversations with the locals. It's through these interactions that they shed light on the diverse beliefs, hopes, and struggles of Americans from different walks of life.

Part of the beauty of This American Journey is its absence of overly politicized commentary or personal agenda. There are no experts or historians explaining the country's complexities to the audience. It is a film about common people living their lives, celebrating their freedom, voicing their concerns, and sharing their dreams.

While the narrative seamlessly weaves together different people and places, the audience also gets a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the evolving relationship between Blackthorne and Basquali. Their bond grows with each shared experience, punctuated by moments of joy, frustration, humor, and introspection. Their bromance, as they journey through America, adds another interesting dimension that keeps the audience engaged.

This American Journey isn’t just a travelogue; it’s an exploration of national identity, diversity, and collective consciousness of a nation. Concurrently, it is an homage to the open road, capturing the American love for the road trip as a vessel for discovery, exploration, and understanding. The visuals are beautiful, the interviews candid, and the quiet moments are filled with a sense of wonder and revelation.

The film’s ambiguity about its final destination becomes a metaphor to express that it’s the journey that counts, not the endpoint. As the audience rides along with Blackthorne and Basquali, it becomes evident that this film is much more than a tour of America’s geography—it’s a deep and thoughtful look into America’s collective narrative and soul, as well as a testament to the power of personal connections.

From Las Vegas’s twinkling lights to the quiet peace of Wyoming’s expansive landscapes, every frame in the film is captivating and is enhanced by the exceptional cinematography. The editing is tight and ensures the narrative flows smoothly from one conversation to another, one state to another.

While exploring the American Dream, This American Journey delves into thought-provoking themes of hope, resilience, national love, and the common human spirit. It reminds us of the uniqueness of personal stories and how they can come together to form a grand narrative of identity, belongingness, and shared dreams. As they travel across the states, they explore and expose the essence of “Americana” revealing its beauty and paradoxes.

This American Journey is a heartfelt, warm, and at times, profoundly moving cinematic experience that encapsulates the spirit and diversity of America. It’s a must-watch for lovers of heartfelt storytelling, and for those who are keen on exploring America’s heart and soul through an intimate lens. Here, the beauty of the American landscape merges with the beauty of the American people, piecing together a poignant and rich tapestry of life and dreams in the United States.