America
So Beautiful (2001)
Recalling the initial days during the Iranian Hostage
crisis back in the late 70's, "America so Beautiful"
takes on a more important resonance since the events
of 9-11-2001. Filmed well before these current events,
the film nonetheless address racism and cultural identity
which has become remarkably relevant today.
The film concerns Houshang, an Iranian immigrant who
is looking for a better life in America. He's trying
to get some money together so he can buy into a disco.
The film has a wonderful knack for recalling the late
70's and the disco life. With beautiful cinematography,
awesome use of period music and perfect attention to
costume and sets, director Babak Shokrian creates a
mood and an atmosphere that rings remarkable truthful.
Houshang drifts through this world trying to make a
place for himself. But as the events at the American
Embassy unfold he finds it increasingly difficult to
find a safe place to land. Throughout it all, TV news
coverage of the events in Iran (and audible commentary
heard on radios) provides a constant reminder of how
difficult things are getting and are going to continue
to be for the characters here.
Culminating in violence, tragedy and racist anarchy,
the film is a sharp and painful reminder of how inhospitable
America can be to immigrants. In a land supposedly rife
with opportunity, America seems to hold nothing but
pain and heartbreak for the immigrants in the cast.
By setting the film during the Iranian crisis, Shokrian
tweaks the theme of his film so that his message becomes
clear, in sharper contrast. The idea is simple: For
a land where freedom and cultural diversity is supposed
to be the true ideal, there is a lot of racism, hostility
and obstacles in America.
Shokrian is a very good storyteller who asks that
his audience be attentive and knowledgeable. There are
moments in the film where I wasn't quite sure exactly
what was going on. some of the plot gets convoluted,
especially that involving Sammy, a disco raconteur whom
Houshang is trying to work a deal with. But overall,
the message of the film is sharp and focused and the
other storylines are relatively easy to become engrossed
in. Most importantly Houshang, as played by the singularly
named Mansour, is a likeable character whom it is easy
to become interested in. Like so many of us Americans,
he is simply a young man with ideas who is trying to
get ahead.
Shokrian may end his film seemingly too abruptly,
but the resonant ending says everything we need to know
to understand the resolution of the main story. And,
as he proves throughout the film, Shokrian is not going
to take the easy route. His ending forces us to think
and consider. His ending forces us to evaluate the entire
film. As Americans, his film makes us question the very
nature of the American Dream. "America So Beautiful"
isn't bitter or angry, nor is it an indictment of America.
It is, instead, a thoughtful and intelligent film that
makes us rethink what it is to be an American. And in
these days of terrorism, racism and religionism, it
is important that we question ourselves about just such
things.
Note:
In English and Farsi with subtitles.
This Film Reviewed
from the 2001 Austin Film festival!
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Report
Card
Script:
B+
Acting: A+
Cinematography\Lighting: A+
Special Effects\Make Up: A+
Music: A+
Final
Grade: A
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