We Blew It

We Blew It is an engaging and insightful 2017 documentary directed by talented French filmmaker Jean-Baptiste Thoret. It serves as an exploration of America’s past and present through the prism of its cinematic history. The documentary features a thought-provoking roster of interviewees such as Ronee Blakley, Peter Bogdanovich, and Charles Burnett, among others.

The documentary is set against the backdrop of the 2016 United States Presidential election. Filmmaker Thoret takes us on a journey across the United States with a quest to understand the turbulent zeitgeist of America. He seeks to decipher the political climate leading up to this key point in history via a unique approach; by delving into the American New Wave cinema of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The American New Wave, also known as the New Hollywood movement, was an era of profound change in American filmmaking. It was characterized by a shift away from the conventional studio system and towards more personal, provocative, and technically sophisticated films. And so, We Blew It uses this era as a filter to glean insights about the nation's psyche. Thoret interviews an illustrious array of film-makers and actors who were a part of this revolution, including Ronee Blakley, Peter Bogdanovich, and Charles Burnett, among others.

The film is punctuated by the reflections of Peter Bogdanovich, a director whose career spanned over this period and who offers insightful perspectives on the evolution of American cinema and society. Notable actress and songwriter Ronee Blakley, who gained prominence in the New Hollywood era, provides her own take on how the industry and its surrounding culture have evolved over the years. The contributions of Charles Burnett, a pioneer of African-American cinema, provide a unique view of the socio-political changes from a minority perspective.

Through a series of personal testimonies, archive footages, and clips from iconic movies of the New Hollywood era, Thoret paints a picture of America that is both reflective and critical. The documentary critically analyzes the historical and cultural implications of the New Hollywood era and how they resonate in contemporary socio-political scenarios.

One of the engaging aspects of the documentary is the effective way it pairs interviews with cinematic references. Clips from some groundbreaking films from the period, such as "Easy Rider", "The Graduate", "Bonnie and Clyde" and others, seamlessly blend into the narrative, bringing to life the testimonies of the interviewees. These clips offer the audience a glimpse back into the past and allow a deeper understanding of the political, cultural, and social transformations that America underwent during the late 60s and early 70s.

Throughout the work, Thoret maintains his signature style of filmmaking, characterized by an effective and engaging blend of cinema, nostalgia, and history. This approach frames the documentary not just as an analysis of a cinematic era, but also as a reflective mirror held up to modern American society. It's a nostalgic journey that seemingly seeks answers to the question – "How did we get here?"

We Blew It is a film that demands attention. It's a thought-provoking and absorbing documentation of America's evolution over the past five decades. It reflects upon the intertwined history of cinema and society, and the power of filmmaking, not just as a medium of entertainment, but as a medium of socio-political commentary and reflection. The interviews, movie clips, and Thoret’s distinctive narrative thread create an immersive experience that is both educational and entertaining, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the cultural, social, and political history of America. Beyond its profile as a documentary, We Blew It emerges as a poignant statement of introspection, making it a relevant viewing experience in any era.