Owned: A Tale of Two Americas

Owned: A Tale of Two Americas is a provocative and compelling documentary that delves deep into the heart of the American housing economy. Helmed by Giorgio Angelini, the film presents a critical and informative view of the housing market that forms the backbone of the American Dream. It features the compelling insights of Greg Butler, Jimmy Silvestri, Jim Klinge, Charles Marohn, and Lawrence Brown, among others, who bring their unique perspectives and insights to the complex tapestry of this narrative.

The movie initially evokes a sense of nostalgia by touching on the post-war era, where home ownership was seen as an emblem of success and upward mobility. It disentangles the idealized form of the 'American Dream' through the concept of a 'property owning democracy.' The viewer is transported back to the time of burgeoning suburbia, where the US Government and corporate America collaborated to create a model of success centered on home ownership.

However, the true power of the film comes through its unveiling of the dark and less spoken side of this dream. Using insightful interviews and archival material, the film reveals a systemic and problematic history of racial inequality laced deeply within the architecture of the country's housing market. It uncovers the roots of today's wealth gap through an exploration of the systemic discrimination that marked US housing policies, segregating development along racial lines, and leading to lasting, adverse effects on minority communities.

At the center of this discourse are figures like Greg Butler, a construction manager turned activist, and Charles Marohn, a civil engineer. They reveal how the model of homeownership fueled an extractive system of wealth extraction that preyed on the racial disparities already enshrined in American society. These narratives, coupled with those of others in the film, expose the dichotomy of two Americas- a split between those with access to the dream of home ownership and those systematically denied it.

The film also examines the wake left by the 2008 housing crisis, which further deepened the racial wealth gap, showing how the seemingly mundane world of housing policy can impact and reflect wider social dynamics. On the other end of the spectrum, we meet people like Jimmy Silvestri and Jim Klinge, real estate professionals who have seen firsthand the repercussions of reckless lending practices and misguided investment ideology brought on by the housing boom and eventual financial meltdown.

Lawrence Brown, an activist and public health expert, lends another layer to the movie by bridging the gap between issues of public health and housing, illuminating the connection between physical dwelling places and health equity – suggesting that equal access to quality housing can be a pathway to better health outcomes for underserved communities.

As the narrative unfolds, a stark reality sets in – the post-war dream of home ownership has been exploited and distorted, creating a housing crisis that continues to disproportionately impact minority communities. Instead of being a conduit for inclusive growth, the handling of the housing market has become a key player in propagating systemic inequality.

Owned: A Tale of Two Americas is not just about housing. It is a tale of how a vision of collective prosperity was displaced by an economy that thrives on inequity. It is an investigation- and condemnation - of American policies and predatory economic practices that have devalued lives. This film raises critical questions about the nature of wealth, ownership, and racial inequality that continue to shape so much of American life.

This documentary ultimately leaves the audience with an uninhibited portrayal of the American housing landscape. It is a challenging and enlightening exploration that seeks to initiate dialogue and inspire actions that could reshape how America's communities are structured and who has access to the dream of home ownership. The narrative is not just compelling but also deeply resonant, holding up a mirror to societal problems that persist to this day.

Through its insightful narrative and compelling storytelling, Owned: A Tale of Two Americas takes viewers on an eye-opening journey through the annals of American housing history, laying bare the less glamorous and more controversial aspects of the sacrosanct ideal of homeownership. It's a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the root causes of urban inequality and the deep-seated racial disparities that pervade contemporary America.