Watch Anytown, USA

Anytown, USA is a 2005 documentary film directed by Kristian Fraga. Set in Bogota, New Jersey, the movie follows the mayoral campaign of Steve Lonegan, a conservative Republican, and his opponent Fred Pesce, a more liberal Democrat, during the 2003 mayoral election. The film takes a fly-on-the-wall approach, with no narration or interviews. Instead, it presents the events and characters with a verité style, letting the audience draw their own conclusions. The result is a powerful and often amusing look at small-town politics.

Lonegan is presented as a charismatic and determined leader. He is seen canvassing the streets, organizing rallies, and expressing his views on taxes, immigration, and government spending. His campaign is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, who are shown going door to door, putting up signs, and engaging with potential voters.

Pesce is portrayed as a more down-to-earth and relatable figure. He spends much of his time visiting schools, talking to residents, and emphasizing his commitment to education and community values. His campaign is more low-key than Lonegan's, relying mainly on talking to people in person and attending public meetings.

The two candidates couldn't be more different, and the movie doesn't shy away from highlighting their contrasting personalities and ideologies. Lonegan is often shown sparring with reporters, dismissing his detractors, and generally coming across as a bit of a firebrand. Pesce, on the other hand, is more measured and conciliatory, seeking to bridge the divide between Democrats and Republicans.

The film also examines the broader social and economic issues affecting Bogota. There are scenes of community meetings, where residents air their grievances about property taxes, public safety, and the quality of the schools. The movie suggests that these concerns are common to many small towns across America, which are struggling to maintain their way of life in an era of globalisation and rapid change.

Despite its subject matter, Anytown, USA is far from a dry political treatise. The filmmakers inject a great deal of humour and humanity into the proceedings, capturing the idiosyncrasies of the candidates and the townspeople alike. There are several memorable scenes, such as a debate at a local diner, where the candidates drag armchairs into the parking lot to continue their discussion.

The documentary also has a distinctive visual style, using handheld cameras and natural light to create an intimate and immediate feel. The editing is sharp and dynamic, interspersing rally footage with interviews and cutaways to everyday life in Bogota. The movie's soundtrack features an eclectic mix of music, from Johnny Cash to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, that complements the energy and mood of the film.

In conclusion, Anytown, USA is a gripping and entertaining documentary that provides a fascinating glimpse into the politics of a small town. The film is well-crafted and thoughtful, and succeeds in capturing the spirit of a community struggling to find its place in the modern world. Whether you're a political junkie or just interested in human drama, this movie is well worth a watch.

Anytown, USA is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.