Fail State

"Fail State" is a heart-rending, eye-opening, and thought-provoking documentary film from 2017 directed by Alex Shebanow and produced by Dan Rather. It enters the charged, controversial world of higher education in America to examine a complex series of issues that shape the future of millions of students, educators, and policymakers directly and indirectly across the world. The film features a star-studded cast of interviewees, including Gibson Frazier, David Halperin, and Tom Harkin, among others.

The movie puts forth a disquieting exploration of the dark side of American higher education, delving into the growing issue of "predatory for-profit colleges." The viewer navigates through the labyrinth of the American higher education system, learning about the erosion of state funding for public universities that have forced many students to seek alternative education pathways. Many of them are guided towards for-profit schools that promise much but deliver little, leaving students in a quagmire of debts and unfulfilled dreams.

Gibson Frazier, best known for his extensive career in theatre, flips the script in "Fail State" and adds a unique depth and resonance to the storytelling. He portrays the everyman, effectively guiding viewers through the landscape of the American higher education system, its triumphs and its failings. His measured performances reflect the complex emotions, frustrations, and aspirations of many Americans while leaving enough space for viewers to draw their own conclusions. It is a stellar performance that sets the tone of the film and acts as a touchstone for the underlying narrative thread.

David Halperin, a leading advocate for educational reform and chronicler of the for-profit college industry, offers invigorating insight into the political, financial, and regulatory landscapes that have allowed the for-profit industry to grow at the expense of student success. His compelling arguments raise crucial questions about the purpose and value of higher education and the role of government in protecting its citizens from unscrupulous educational practices.

Meanwhile, Tom Harkin, a long-standing proponent of higher education reform during his tenure as a U.S. senator, enhances the documentary's credibility with his authoritative lens on the legislative aspects of the issue. His inclusion in "Fail State" offers viewers a stark view of the barriers to policy change, elucidating on how corporate lobbying and political power dynamics can adversely impact the direction of public policy.

Director Alex Shebanow does an excellent job of weaving together these individual threads into a larger tapestry, elucidating the ramifications of current higher education policies. He symbolically uses "Fail State" as an allegory for the broader social and political environment in America, where big money and politics often stifle real change. The way he combines expert commentary and personal narratives underscores the urgency and importance of the topic, making for an emotionally resonant and deeply impactful film.

The aesthetic appeal of "Fail State" cannot be overlooked. Beautifully shot and expertly edited, the film strikes a delicate balance between evoking an emotional response and conveying information. The integration of on-ground footage, archival material, and talking-head interviews create a compelling visual narrative that draws viewers in and leads them on a journey through the vicissitudes of the American higher education system.

A notable accomplishment of "Fail State" lies in its exploration of a complex, multi-layered issue without resorting to simplistic vilification or grandstanding. The film stimulates conversations around higher education reform while challenging viewers to consider their perspectives on education, governmental responsibility, and institutional accountability. The movie acknowledges the difficult nature of these conversations and invites viewers to participate in them nonetheless.

Whether you are a student, parent, educator, or policy-maker, "Fail State" is a film that obliges us all to sit up, think, and critically evaluate the current status of higher education systems, not just in America but globally as well. Its sobering examination of predatory for-profit colleges, student debt, and the struggle for policy reforms is both relevant and timely, making it a must-see documentary for anyone who is connected to or concerned about the world of education.