As Goes Janesville

As Goes Janesville is a thought-provoking American documentary released in 2012 that takes an unfiltered and nuanced look at the struggles of a small town in Wisconsin, focusing on the fallout after the closure of a General Motors assembly plant. This powerful film documents economic struggle, the realities of globalization, and the profound divide over the social contract. Skillfully directed by Brad Lichtenstein, As Goes Janesville captures the portrayal of a city that battles to redefine itself amid tough economic times. The title of the movie refers to a phrase from the Great Depression era that said, "As goes Janesville, so goes America."

The film features various key figures, including Larry Arft, a city manager, John Beckord, president of a local development corporation, and Tim Cullen, a state senator. These individuals are central to the pursuit of Janesville’s redemption from the damage dealt by the closure of its more than 80-year-old General Motors assembly plant in 2008.

Larry Arft comes across as a committed city manager who is deeply concerned with the future of Janesville. John Beckord, on the other hand, provides a clear-sighted business perspective on the town’s situation as he fights for its survival. Tim Cullen provides a political viewpoint, depicting the effects of the economic situation on state politics.

As Goes Janesville weaves together two narratives. One is about the impact of the plant’s closure and the city's efforts to reinvent its economy during the consequent fallouts. From this perspective, the film explores the different solutions proposed, such as turning the town into a hub for healthcare technology. Meanwhile, it presents robust debates about tax breaks for companies and looks into the thorny issue of whether they translate to promised jobs for the locals.

The second narrative focuses on the broader political debate in Wisconsin. It not only talks about the controversial bill by Governor Scott Walker that intended to strip public unions of their collective bargaining rights, but it also dives into the subsequent recall attempt against him.

The two narratives converge to present an authentic and vibrant account of an American community grappling with issues of jobs, politics, and the survival of the middle class. Besides the narratives, the film elegantly integrates personal stories of laid-off auto workers searching for new paths. As Goes Janesville doesn’t shy away from capturing genuine human moments that extend beyond the realm of policy and economics. It portrays the dire hardship of workers who are scrambling to retrain in new fields, and their attempts to keep their families afloat.

Moreover, the film uses cinematography to its advantage, leveraging it to elucidate Janesville's plight with a poignant eloquence. The bare assembly lines of the once-bustling automobile factory and the eerily quiet streets of the city speak volumes about the prevailing situations.

As Goes Janesville, through its remarkably intimate and informed narration, manages to encapsulate the economic struggle of not just one small town in Wisconsin but the predicament of many similar towns across the United States. It offers a compelling reflection on the clashing visions of economic recovery throughout America and portrays the profound effects such decisions have on the lives of ordinary citizens.

In summary, As Goes Janesville is a timely, empathetic, and illuminating examination of a town and its citizens navigating through a sea of economic and political challenges. Rather than providing answers, it sparks thought-provoking questions about the future of the American workforce, the plight of the middle class, and the very essence of the American dream. As a powerful snapshot of contemporary American life, this film will continue to be relevant for years to come.