Watch Gore Vidal: The United States Of Amnesia

Gore Vidal: The United States Of Amnesia is a compelling documentary film that dives deep into the life, career, and ideology of one of America's most controversial and influential public figures of the 20th century - Gore Vidal. The film is directed by Nicholas D. Wrathall and features interviews, testimonials, and archival footage of Gore Vidal, his friends, family members, and admirers.

The film's narrative is structured around Gore Vidal's life story, tracing his upbringing as scion of an influential political family, his evolving career as a writer, commentator, and political activist, and culminating in his final days before his death. Throughout the film, we get an intimate look at the man behind the public persona - a charming, witty, and erudite intellectual who spoke truth to power, challenged the status quo, and pushed the limits of free speech.

One of the film's main strengths is the breadth of interviews it features, ranging from Vidal's longstanding friends and allies, such as Howard Auster and James Best, to his family members, including his half-sister Nina Straight and nephew Burr Steers. We also hear from a range of notable writers, actors, and public figures who were influenced by or worked with Vidal, such as Christopher Hitchens, Jodie Evans, and Timothy McVeigh.

The interviews are interspersed with snippets of archival footage dating back to the 1960s, including Vidal's many appearances on talk shows and news programs, as well as his appearances at rallies and protests. These clips provide a fascinating window into Vidal's intellect and personality, showcasing his quick wit and his willingness to offend and provoke. One of the most memorable scenes in the film features Vidal sparring with conservative commentator William F. Buckley Jr. during the 1968 Democratic National Convention, in which Vidal called Buckley a "crypto-Nazi" and Buckley responded by calling Vidal a "queer."

As the film progresses, we begin to see Vidal's political and social commentary take a darker turn, as he becomes increasingly critical of American interventionism abroad and the rise of authoritarianism at home. Vidal saw himself as a proud defender of the American Republic, but also as a stern critic of its flaws and injustices. He was unafraid to speak his mind, even if it made him unpopular with mainstream America.

One of the film's key themes is the idea of "amnesia" - the notion that America has a tendency to forget its past, its ideals, and its mistakes. Vidal saw himself as a kind of "historian" of American politics and culture, constantly reminding Americans of their history and their responsibilities. He thought that America's tendency toward amnesia was dangerous, as it allowed the country to repeat its mistakes and neglect its moral obligations.

Overall, Gore Vidal: The United States Of Amnesia is an engrossing and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the fascinating life and times of a true American original. It is a must-see for anyone interested in politics, culture, and the evolution of American society over the last century. The film's portrayal of Vidal is nuanced, complex, and deeply moving, painting a portrait of a man who was both a product of his times and ahead of them.

Gore Vidal: The United States Of Amnesia is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 72.