Watch What's the Matter with Kansas?

What's the Matter with Kansas? is a documentary film from 2009 that explores the political shift that took place in Kansas during the 21st century. The movie, directed by Joe Winston, is based on the book with the same name written by Thomas Frank. The documentary begins by depicting Kansas as a traditionally agricultural and conservative state that has always been dominated by Republicans. However, in the late 1990s, a new crop of politicians emerged, driven by the Christian conservative movement, that challenged the traditional Republican party. This movement included figures like Sam Brownback, who would become the state's governor in 2011, and Pat Roberts, a Republican senator from Kansas since 1997.

The movie then focuses on the issues that caused this shift. The filmmakers argue that the Christian conservative movement took advantage of social and economic issues and exploited the frustrations of middle and lower-class Kansans. They claim that the movement used divisive social issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage to distract from economic issues such as declining wages and disappearing jobs.

The documentary interviews several Kansans who explain their reasons for supporting the conservative movement. The Barden family, a working-class family from western Kansas, represents one such group. The mother, Dawn Barden, supports Brownback and the Christian conservative movement because of their anti-abortion stance. She believes that abortion is murder and that support for it is immoral. Her two daughters, Alyssa and Brittany, have also been influenced by the Christian conservative movement. Alyssa, who is studying to be a nurse, is passionately anti-abortion, and Brittany, a University of Kansas student, has become involved in a conservative student organization.

The movie also interviews political analysts, journalists, and academics who offer a wider perspective on the changes in Kansas politics. They argue that the Christian conservative movement in Kansas is part of a larger trend in American politics, where social issues have increasingly become the focus of political discourse. They also explain how the movement has used tactics such as voter suppression and gerrymandering to maintain their power.

What's the Matter with Kansas? is a well-crafted documentary that explores the complex relationship between social, economic, and political issues. The film avoids the trap of painting all Kansans as ignorant or misguided, instead presenting a nuanced and respectful portrayal of the state's diverse population. The interviews with the Barden family are especially compelling. They are portrayed as sympathetic and genuine people who genuinely believe in their cause.

Overall, What's the Matter with Kansas? is an insightful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the changing political landscape of America. It is an essential watch for anyone interested in understanding the rise of the conservative movement in America and the role that social issues have played in American politics.

What's the Matter with Kansas? is a 2009 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 56.