What is Democracy?

"What is Democracy?" is a thought-provoking and enlightened 2018 documentary film directed by Astra Taylor, who also engages as one of the on-screen narrators along with Silvia Federici and Eleni Perdikouri. The film aspires to delve into the essence of democracy, the principles it stands on, flaws it accommodates, and the challenges it faces in the evolving world. Through a sweeping philosophical exploration, the film aims to tackle both the ideals and the unsatisfactory realisation of this pivotal political system.

The film emerges as a unique blend of history, philosophy, sociopolitical commentary, and on-the-ground observation, within which the director blurs the border between past and present, thereby drawing lines of connection between our modern drudgeries and ancient deliberations of democracy. The insightful journey commences from the ancient Athenian agora, the birthplace of democracy, and transports us to the turbulence of present-day Greece, chronicling democracy’s journey of millennia in between.

On screen, Astra Taylor engages in heartfelt conversations with a varied assortment of individuals, ranging from ordinary workers, scholars, refugees, politicians, to activists. Each perspective offers a unique interpretation of democracy; each idea holds a gripping, insightful, and thought-provoking power. Taylor manages to trigger intellectual rumination within the viewer, stimulating them to introspect on democracy's purpose, potential, limitations, and paradoxes.

Silvia Federici, a seasoned scholar of feminist theory, presents her take on democracy in light of feminist principles, making the viewer deeply ponder over the insecurities and prejudices embedded in democratic societies. In contrast, Eleni Perdikouri’s perspective, an actress and politician, prompts questioning on the relevance and adaptation of democratic systems in a polarised world.

Further, the film presents powerful instances of practical insurgencies against the democratic flaws, providing real-world context to the theoretical exploration. The viewers accompany Taylor's camera through the city landscapes, classrooms, hospitals, and assemblies, witnessing aspects of democracies across the globe. The juxtaposition of contrasting images, such as the decaying urban quarters opposing the opulent assemblies of power, resonates profoundly regarding economic inequalities within democratic societies. It thereby accentuates the urgent need to address such flaws for democracy's viability.

At the same time, the film finds its roots firmly in the traditions of philosophy, constantly engaging the audience in thought experiments about democracy's ever-evolving definition. It pulls from the words of classical thinkers like Plato and Rousseau while interlacing them with the contemporary writings of intellectuals such as Cornel West and Wendy Brown.

In the process, the documentary powerfully highlights the disparities between the idealistic origins of democracy and its contemporary lived realities. It emphasizes the pressing need to reconcile these differences and highlights the urgency of reform in democratic systems, thus driving public discourse towards more inclusive and egalitarian ways of governance.

Astra Taylor’s "What is Democracy?" does not provide the audience with easy answers or over-simplified definitions. On the contrary, it raises intricate and difficult questions about freedom, justice, economic inequality, and the balance of power. The film probes the disquieting fissures in modern political landscapes, emphasizing the need for participatory and representative systems responsive to the concerns of all citizens, thereby urging the audience to rethink their understanding of democracy.

Despite exploring grave and complex issues, the documentary is not preachy. Instead, it engages the audience through its poetic visuals, mesmerising journey across times and geographies, and compelling stories from real lives affected by the structures of democracy. Its undying commitment to ensuring the audience 'feels' the importance of its subject matter makes it an emotionally moving documentary.

"What is Democracy?" is an artful and earnest plea for viewers to grapple with the tenets of democracy through a critical lens and to take ownership of their political agency. It is a meaningful cinematic experience for anyone who wishes to gain a profound understanding of democracy's essence and to engage in deep, thought-provoking contemplation on one of the most influential governing systems of our times. It's a must-watch for those invested in politics, philosophy, social justice, and history, offering invaluable insights into democracy's past, present, as well as the potential trajectories for its future.