You've Been Trumped, Too

You've Been Trumped, Too is a 2016 documentary film directed by Anthony Baxter that explores a highly heated, deeply divisive conflict in Aberdeenshire, Scotland concerning Donald Trump. The film is a sequel to Baxter's 2011 documentary You've Been Trumped, which first captured the initial stages of the battle. Although the movie interweaves a compelling narrative of a classic David and Goliath showdown, it is not a tale of mere fiction – it all started with a real-life easing of planning laws that allowed Donald Trump to build a luxury golf course, set amidst beautiful coastal dunes.

The sequel, You've Been Trumped, Too, picks up where the original left off, providing an examination of the subsequent turmoil and tension engulfing the local community. It stars Molly Forbes, an octogenarian local woman and fierce, everyday activist determined to stand her ground. Also introduced in the narrative is Michael Forbes, Molly's son and another member of the unwavering opposition against the machinations of Trump's wealthy empire. Enmeshed in a personal crusade for justice, the Forbes family, representing the small community, provides a stark contrast to the affluent, pseudo-royal figure of Donald Trump, who also features significantly in the movie.

In You've Been Trumped, Too, one of the pressing matters that the film focuses on is the struggle of Molly Forbes and her fellow locals in maintaining a regular water supply which they've claimed has been compromised since the development of Trump's golf course began. The film uses this issue as the central backbone of its narrative, and Baxter's lens pins this juxtaposition of the situation effectively, the lush greens of the golf resort set against the everyday struggles of the local community deprived of basic amenities.

Somewhere along the way, what the movie also lays bare are the alleged promises Trump made to the Scottish public about economic windfalls and a multitude of jobs that would come in the wake of his luxurious project. To its credit, the film doesn't shy away from probing the authenticity of these claims, providing a more comprehensive picture of the situation.

The movie clearly takes a stand on the side of the locals, underlying the narrative and overall tone of the film. Baxter's direction successfully infuses humor, warmth, and a generous dose of humanity. Molly stand-outs as an emblem of resilience, as the filmmakers capture her candid opinions on Trump, her empty well, and how she has felt wronged in the whole situation.

Mixed into the local narrative are snippets from Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, creating a broader commentary on Trump’s conduct on the global stage. The filmmaker juxtaposes Trump's international position as a presidential candidate against the friction and unresolved issues in Scotland, making for a provocative watch.

However, You've Been Trumped, Too, is not without subtlety. It slyly nudges viewers into considering the broader implications of the conflict and quietly raises questions about how development often transpires at the expense of those less powerful, highlighting the age-old fight between the small man and the power. In stark contrast are the beautifully shot landscapes of Scotland, a silent testament to the land on which this human drama unfolds.

The documentary also records Trump's aggressive reaction to the first movie, eventually leading to Baxter's arrest and the confiscation of his footage. These incidents add another layer to the overall narrative and reflect on the freedom of press in a democratic society and the police's role in these matters.

In conclusion, You've Been Trumped, Too, is a riveting, impactful follow-up to its predecessor, carrying forward the baton and delving deeper into an ongoing issue. It portrays the struggle of a dedicated community defending its rights and livelihood against a towering, influential entity. The film successfully uses a local narrative to mirror global concerns, resulting in a thought-provoking socio-environmental documentary about people, power, and broken promises.