This Divided State

This Divided State is a riveting documentary from 2005 that focuses on the political climate of a small city in conservative Utah. Directors Steven Greenstreet and Shannon Phipps use this modest setting to encapsulate the broader national debate, striking at the heart of the issue and creating a microcosm of the American political landscape.

The film revolves around the residents of Orem, Utah, which morphs from a tranquil town to a hotbed of political dissension when resident Kay Anderson offers $50,000 of his own money to cancel the visit of liberal film director and political commentator Michael Moore. Moore had been invited as a guest speaker at Utah Valley State College (UVSC), a local and predominantly conservative institution. The announcement of Moore's visit throws the ordinarily quiet town into a state of chaos and discord, unconcealed by the impassive, snow-capped peaks of Mount Timpanogos.

The documentary’s captivating narrative unwinds through staunch conservative Anderson, faculty members including Jim Bassi and Sean Vreeland, among others, as well as students and townsfolk who find themselves in the eye of this political hurricane. The deep-seated divide between liberal and conservative ideas is palpably felt in the film, demonstrating a landscape where the distinction between blue and red states is unnervingly real.

One of the primary protagonists, Kay Anderson, is a conservative, devout Mormon, and self-made businessman who sets out on a personal mission to prevent Michael Moore from speaking at UVSC. His passionate crusade against Moore attracts national media, galvanizing a particular segment of the population in the town.

Counterbalancing Anderson's fervor, the college faculty members wrestle with the issue of whether to uphold the principles of free speech or succumb to growing political pressure. Among them are Jim Bassi and Sean Vreeland who represent the institutional struggle between academic freedom and financial sway, caught between the needs of the student body and the expectations of their conservative counterparts.

Amidst this tense environment, voices of the student body are also heard, giving the audience a glimpse into college political activism and the perennial generational struggle for change. As students, significantly younger than the community elders, attempt to reconcile freedom of speech and the respect for differing opinions, their youthful earnestness lends poignancy to the intense political drama.

Interestingly, conservative pundit Sean Hannity’s visit to the same college is used as a sharp counterpoint, highlighting the extreme reactions incited by Moore’s scheduled appearance. The presence of these high-profile political figures provides the ideal dramatic backdrop against which the local tug of war unfolds.

This Divided State, as its title suggests, creates a powerful and intimate exploration of the polarized state of American politics. Director Steven Greenstreet adeptly captures the emotional interplay between different factions, smoothly shifting between different perspectives to provide an unbiased account. His approach in highlighting the real human cost, genuine passion, and frustration towards the deep-rooted division of political ideologies is particularly compelling.

It's worth noting that beyond the specific event of Michael Moore’s proposed visit to Orem, the documentary explores underlying issues that continue to affect the American political scene. From political intolerance and personal liberties to the power of money and influence in American democracy, This Divided State traverses a surprisingly broad theme within its compact, engaging narrative.

The documentary is enhanced by emotional interviews, genuine human interaction, humorous moments, and unexpected surprises, making it truly engaging and eye-opening. The shaking camera, intense close-ups, and sudden shifts in focus give an authentic, documentary-like feel to the film.

In conclusion, it’s a deeply engaging portrait of a town torn by political dissent, reflective of the broader American demographic. This Divided State is more than just a documentary about one event in one town, it is a snapshot of the national rift between liberal and conservative ideals, and a compelling exploration of how these opposing forces continue to shape America’s political landscape. Greenstreet's film is a testament to the fact that in America's divided states, even the smallest cities have their own role to play on the national stage. ಡ