You've Been Trumped

You've Been Trumped is a hard-hitting documentary film released in 2011, directed by Anthony Baxter, which provides an incisive critique on the impact of luxury development on small communities and the environment. The movie features local Scottish fisherman, Michael Forbes, and business tycoon, Donald Trump, exploring the conflict between them.

The film takes place in coastal Balmedie, within the serene Scottish countryside, known for its stark beauty, rugged terrain, and the fiercely independent spirit of its inhabitants. The heart of this documentary is focused on the lives of the locals who become ensnared in a struggle with Trump's plan to transform one of Scotland's last wilderness areas into a luxury golf resort.

At the center of the narrative is Michael Forbes, an unassuming fisherman and farmer, whose family has lived on their plot of land adjacent to the proposed site for generations. Forbes becomes the voice of resistance against Trump's expansionist agenda, representing the thousands of landowners and environmentalists around the world who often find themselves overshadowed by the might of large-scale developers.

Against a background of stunning Scottish vistas, the documentary delves into the controversy surrounding Trump's glamorized vision, juxtaposed against the simple, rural lives of the locals. Gentrification, economic disparity, and the power of corporations in dictating governmental policy are all bravely tackled by Baxter in the film.

Donald Trump, then primarily known for his business ventures and not yet a political figure, is presented as the personification of corporate arrogance - a symbol for unchecked capitalism that is willing to compromise both environmental sanctity and local lifestyles. The film does not shy away from showcasing how Trump's aggressive business reign frequently belittles those with less wealth and influence.

Baxter, who also plays the role of the investigative journalist, seeks to expose the unfolding drama by interviewing pertinent subjects. This includes the enigmatic Trump himself, local authorities, and other villagers impacted by Trump's proposed development. Unraveling detailed insights, the director systematically questions the assumed benefits of economic progress and luxury development at the cost of ecological imbalance and social exclusion.

In several instances, Baxter stitches together the stark dichotomy between the retired life in the Scottish shores and the opulence of material progress, using cinematic elements like long, sweeping shots of the countryside, and contrasting them with the marching pace of bulldozers tearing through the serene landscape. The director's artistic vision serves to underline the severity of the situation.

Adding to the narrative are the power dynamics between the locals and their government, demonstrating how tangled alliances can often lead to questionable decisions. The average Balmedie inhabitant, the film suggests, is an unfortunate bystander in a far-reaching game of political and economic chess, leading to significant pondering on the individual's power or the lack thereof in similar situations.

Overall, "You've Been Trumped" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking documentary, highlighting the confrontation between a local community's rights and corporate intrusion. It is particularly recommended to viewers interested in social and environmental issues, policy-making, and the global impacts of unchecked development.

Beyond simply telling the story of Balmedie, the film puts a human face on the broader topic of environmental conservation, compulsory purchase, and land rights, ultimately pushing viewers to question: At what cost does progress come, and who pays the price?

Throughout its run-time, the film toes the line between reportage and a gripping human drama, making it not just an educational experience, but a visually and emotionally stirring one. Featuring bold storytelling and compelling characters, "You've Been Trumped" is a vividly drawn documentary that forces viewers to rethink their definition of progress and prosperity and look more closely at the world around them.