Split: A Divided America (2008) Reviews

• Misleading and Disingenuous

  turk_d2008-09-07

  This documentary is fundamentally misleading in its characterization of the "split" that divides Americans politically by focusing almost exclusively on relatively meaningless "hot button" issues like abortion and homosexuality, while ignoring real class, gender, and racial disparity. Roe v. Wade is not going to be overturned ever. For politicians to pretend otherwise for the sake of mobilizing ignorant voters is disingenuous, just like this movie's insistence that abortion is a politically significant issue on the national level, one that divides our political spectrum, is also disingenuous. Similarly homosexuality is not an issue at the national level. The personal opinions of politicians have little bearing on the legislative reality, which is that at this time neither party will act either to further expand or restrict the definition of marriage. No one is pushing for equal rights for gays, and no one is pushing for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. The documentary contains a number of short historical lessons for the viewer's apparent edification (so he can contextualize the current "split" with the halcyon days of yore) which are fundamentally inaccurate. For instance, in order to buttress the reality of the "split" as a modern phenomenon, electoral maps for the past 100 years or so of presidential elections are shown with the current red/blue color scheme. Not surprisingly, the red/blue states shift somewhat from election to election and substantially at certain times. What is not mentioned at all is that during these shifts it was the nature of the political parties themselves that changed, not the voters. The South overwhelmingly voted Democratic during most of the twentieth century, until Republicans co-opted the racial and evangelical platform issues important to Southerners. Subtler changes in party platforms during this time are also ignored. Another example of historical inaccuracy is the depiction of the religion of the founding fathers. It's suggested that there is a great deal of confusion concerning the religion of the founding fathers (and there is amongst many people, but not historians). Thomas Jefferson is painted as a devoutly religious man who compiled his own bible but nonetheless (and confusedly, it seems) is sometimes considered an atheist. What is not mentioned is that his "bible" contains only the moral teachings of Jesus, with the complete expurgation of miracles and everything else Jefferson considered spurious, because Jefferson was in fact a deist, more or less the eighteenth century equivalent of the modern atheist. There are several more instances like this, which contribute overall to an extremely simplified picture of America as divided along meaningful partisan lines. Certainly America IS divided along partisan lines to the extent that politicians have been very successful in getting people to vote primarily on social "issues." But in fact the Democratic and Republican parties are both right of center compared to the parties of every other Western industrialized nation. They are both free market capitalist parties who employ aggressive foreign policy. The split between them is grossly exaggerated. This documentary should have focused on the political agenda of deceiving voters into believing in the existence of a real political schism but instead merely furthers that agenda by reinforcing this deception.

• Objective Approach

  elkey752008-09-19

  This documentary gave a refreshingly objective look at our political environment. The filmmakers didn't set out with any preconceived political agenda nor any dogma like many political documentaries. It seems they take a calm and sometimes subtly humorous approach while they let the participants make their case. The people interviewed weigh in from many sides and often with strong opinions, but conclusions are up to you. The short animated educational vignettes and historical footage lend lightheartedness and provide perspective and context. The irreverent narrator also makes the often uncomfortable political discussion entertaining. It is well done and definitely worth a look.

• Good non-bias movie

  budani0072008-09-07

  This movie gives both sides of the political parties and never chooses to slant to either one. It's a great movie to understand that people will vote only because of a few things that have nothing to do with politics, or the economy. Main issues are of course, religion, abortion, gun control, etc. So even if the republican candidate will not help someone's economic status as much as the democrat (or vice-versa) they will vote just on those issues. One of the woman said "I don't care what their politics are, if one of them is not against abortion I won't vote for them." Well, hopefully people who only view an election as a religious race, or a pro-life or choice, will not vote.

• Loved it.

  ting9112008-06-15

  Thought-provoking and insightful. I thoroughly enjoyed the film. The film is thoughtful and honest. It's also timely with another election coming up. I wish there were more films like this that help us to listen to voices from both sides of the political aisle and help facility discussions about what it is that divides America as a country. I have seen the film twice at two different film festivals, and each time I got something different out of it. It was also an amazing experience to watch people get so excited about the film afterwards and the discussions it provoked. The film is well-made and very moving. It speaks to all of us.

• Essential Message for All Americans

  josh-1992008-06-15

  This film is excellent. Republican or Democrat, there is an essential message for all Americans. One of the best documentaries to explore Bipartisanship I have seen, ever. I was both shocked and relieved to see where we have come to in our politics. It takes courageous young filmmakers to tackle such difficult issues and to realize that they do not necessarily have to come up with the answers but rather begin to ask the important questions. There are so many difficult issues we face as a nation today that the mere thought of it can create a sense of defeat. Split acknowledges this fact while at the same time giving us hope and a reason to start the crucial repairs. This film should be presented to our nations youth as a tool for what is expected from all Americans as they come of age and become eligible voters. Hats off to the combo of Nykes, Beard and Co. for there work.