American Anarchist

American Anarchist is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary directed by Charlie Siskel that was released in 2016. The film immerses its audience into the world of William Powell, the controversial author of "The Anarchist Cookbook," and the profound impact his book had on the world. It artfully navigates the delicate tightrope between biography and social impact exploration, managing to delve into Powell's past, and investigate the influence of his notorious publication.

At the heart of the plot is William Powell, a disillusioned and frustrated individual who penned The Anarchist Cookbook at the age of just 19, amid the political and social unrest of the late 1960s. Powell’s book, a how-to guide for creating homemade explosives, became an infamous cornerstone of anarchist literature, influencing numerous individuals and groups around the world for decades.

Charlie Siskel's American Anarchist examines Powell’s motivations for writing the book, the unforeseen repercussions of its publication, and Powell’s attempt to distance himself from the very anarchy he helped propagate. The film presents a meticulous portrait of Powell, a man wrought with guilt and regret, depicting the facets of his life post-publication that included an intriguing shift towards becoming a passionate educator for students with special needs.

The documentary captures the nuance of Powell’s narrative through gripping interviews with him and his wife, Ochan Kusuma-Powell. The filmmakers do not shy away from pressing Powell about his responsibility for the actions of individuals influenced by his book, and the film documents Powell's struggle to reconcile with the immense societal impact of his youthful transgressions. From start to finish, the viewers are invited on a rollercoaster of introspection, regret, and palpable tension that ultimately shapes Powell's journey.

As the documentary unfolds, the audience gets to witness Powell's inner turmoil, the results of years grappling with guilt, reflection, and investigation into the broad reach his book had on various hate crimes, school shootings, and acts of political terrorism. The film does an excellent job at showcasing the various stages of Powell's life, his transition from an anarchist writer to an educator, and how he continuously battles the demon of his past.

American Anarchist includes footage of the numerous crimes directly related to The Anarchist Cookbook. The incredibly deft direction by Charlie Siskel in revealing these acts manages to maintain a balanced perspective, giving equal weight to the exploration of Powell’s guilt and the real-world consequences that directly resulted from his creation.

Powell's wife, Ochan Kusuma-Powell, also prominently features in the film, playing the role of Powell's emotional rock, and perhaps one of the few individuals who could truly comprehend his inner torment. Her interviews provide an intimate insight into their lives and shed light on the profound impact Powell's book not only had on the world but also on their personal lives.

Throughout American Anarchist, the audience is offered a chance to form their own opinions on Powell’s responsibility based on well-curated historical context, detailed interviews, and thought-provoking dialogue. The strength of this documentary rests not only on delivering a profound narrative but also on its sincere commitment to approaching a topic with as much empathy as respect.

However, the film isn't just a captivating portrait of William Powell but also doubles as a societal examination. Through Powell's own story, Siskel ruminates on themes of regret, responsibility, and the eternal question: can one ever escape a dark past? It's a piercing exploration of the unintended consequences of one's actions and the often irreparable damage caused by impulsive young rebellion.

In the gripping and intense American Anarchist, Charlie Siskel reveals more than the story of a man's remorse; he showcases an allegory of our times. The movie essentially nudges viewers to ponder an important and timeless question: to what extent an author is responsible for how his work is used by others? With no simple answers, American Anarchist is a compelling watch that serves as both a cautionary and reflective tale for viewers. The film encourages audiences to confront the uncomfortable, question societal norms, and ultimately grapple with the delicate nature of responsibility and consequence.