Watch We Blew It

We Blew It is a documentary film that explores the cultural and political history of the United States from the 1960s until today. Directed and co-written by filmmaker and journalist Jean-Baptiste Thoret, the movie features interviews with a wide range of figures from the worlds of film, music, art, and politics including Ronee Blakley, Peter Bogdanovich, and Charles Burnett.

The film takes its title from a quote by Hunter S. Thompson, who wrote in 1972: "We had all the momentum; we were riding the crest of a high and beautiful wave...and then we blew it." This sentiment permeates the film as it delves into the turbulent and complex social and political landscape of the 1960s and 70s, when the United States was rocked by civil unrest, anti-war protests, and a counterculture that sought to challenge the status quo.

The first half of the movie focuses on this period, exploring the impact of influential cultural figures such as Jimi Hendrix, Martin Luther King Jr., and Charles Manson. The film argues that the idealism and optimism of the era ultimately gave way to disillusionment and cynicism, as the promise of real change gave way to political stagnation and cultural decline.

The second half of the movie takes a more introspective turn, examining the ways in which the United States has evolved over the past four decades. Filmmaker Thoret contrasts the utopian visions of the 60s with the harsh realities of present-day America, where the once powerful counterculture has all but disappeared.

Throughout the film, Thoret draws attention to the role that pop culture has played in shaping American consciousness, from the rise of the blockbuster movie to the decline of the music industry. He offers a critique of the current state of American culture, questioning whether it is possible to return to a time when music and art had the power to change the world.

The film is visually compelling, with a mixture of archival footage and contemporary interviews that provide a compelling portrait of American culture over the past half century. The interviews are candid and insightful, with subjects reflecting on their own experiences and the ways in which their work intersected with broader political and cultural developments.

One of the most striking aspects of We Blew It is its pessimism about the prospects for change. While many of the interviewees express a strong desire to see a revival of the counterculture, there is a palpable sense of doubt and despair that pervades the film. This is a movie that is acutely aware of the challenges facing contemporary America, and is not afraid to confront them head-on.

Overall, We Blew It is a thought-provoking and engaging documentary that offers a powerful critique of American culture and politics. It is a timely reminder of a time when hope and optimism seemed possible, and a sobering reflection on the complexities of the world we live in today.

We Blew It is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.