Watch Janeane From Des Moines

Janeane From Des Moines is a 2012 drama written and directed by Grace Lee, which stars actual figures from American politics including former Minnesota Congresswoman and Presidential candidate Michele Bachmann. The film is a drama that explores the experiences of a conservative Iowa housewife named Janeane Wilson (Jill Bartlett) during the 2012 presidential campaign. A committed Republican and evangelical Christian, Janeane is initially excited by Michele Bachmann's candidacy but soon finds herself plagued by doubts and fears as she struggles with her own economic and medical hardships.

The film is shot in a mockumentary style that provides an intimate look at Janeane's daily life, including her interactions with friends and family, as well as her volunteering for the Bachmann campaign. The central focus of the movie is on Janeane's conversations with other Bachmann supporters and the candidate herself at various campaign stops and rallies. These scenes are filled with authenticity, as they are reconstructed from footage of actual Bachmann campaign events that were shot by Grace Lee.

In many ways, this film is a sharp critique of American politics, showing how campaigns can manipulate and prey on the fears of everyday citizens who are struggling to make ends meet. Throughout the movie, we see Janeane as a devoted member of the Tea Party, but the film also portrays her as vulnerable and exploited by the politicians she supports. As she talks with Bachmann and other high-profile Republican figures, it becomes clear that they view her and other supporters as little more than a source of campaign contributions and votes. Meanwhile, Janeane's personal problems, such as her lack of health insurance, remind us how little these politicians actually care about the struggles of everyday Americans.

One of the most notable aspects of the film is how it handles Bachmann herself. Although she is played by the real-life politician, the character of Michele Bachmann is portrayed in a surprisingly nuanced way. While it would have been easy to present her as an unfeeling, opportunistic politician, instead the filmmakers show her as someone who is genuinely committed to her beliefs and to connecting with the voters. However, there's always a sense of artifice when she's around Janeane -- she is clearly aware of the problems that people face, but she is also as much a part of the political machine as the rest of the politicians seen throughout the film.

Throughout the film, we see how frustrated Janeane becomes as she discovers how little is being done to address the economic problems faced by people like her. Her discomfort with the rhetoric is also portrayed well -- the film never presents her as a mindless follower, but rather shows her wrestling with the moral dilemmas presented by Republican politics. Eventually, Janeane reaches a breaking point and chooses to leave the Bachmann campaign while maintaining her faith and political convictions.

Ultimately, Janeane From Des Moines is a timely, thought-provoking film that captures many of the complex political and social issues that define the present-day United States. The film treats all its characters with respect and empathy, and it is an excellent example of how art can be used to shed light on important political issues. While some viewers may find the narrative a bit slow or difficult to follow, others will be drawn in by its complex, multi-layered portrayal of American politics and culture.

Janeane From Des Moines is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.