5AM StoryTalk Double Feature: Two American Dreams
These two films juxtapose the absurd mythological fantasy and brutal, nightmarish reality of the United States
On the third Saturday of every month, 5AM StoryTalk curates a double feature for you to watch. The goal, as always, is to get us to look at and consider art and culture in new ways.
The philosophy of this double-feature series is primarily juxtaposition. Films are selected based on how they complement each other and reveal deeper truths about the other, but most often about filmmaking, culture, and the world we live in. Very little is offered in the way of explanation, as the process of discovery should be yours. We can discuss the films in the comments section, whether you’ve watched them or not, similar to how I operate this newsletter’s weekly question threads.
You’ll find this month’s double feature below…
DOUBLE FEATURE: I DREAMED A DREAM (ABOUT AMERICA)
The absurd mythological fantasy of freedom in the United States collides with the brutal, nightmarish reality of it.
Feature #1: EASY RIDER (1969)
Written by Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Terry Southern; directed by Dennis Hopper
“Don't ever tell anybody that they're not free, 'cause then they're gonna get real busy killin' and maimin' to prove to you that they are. Oh, yeah, they're gonna talk to you, and talk to you, and talk to you about individual freedom. But they see a free individual, it's gonna scare 'em.”
Feature #2: THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT (1995)
Written by Aaron Sorkin; directed by Rob Reiner
“America isn't easy. America is advanced citizenship. You gotta want it bad, 'cause it's gonna put up a fight … You want to claim this land as the land of the free? Then the symbol of your country can't just be a flag; the symbol also has to be one of its citizens exercising his right to burn that flag in protest.”
If this article added anything to your life but you’re not up for a paid subscription, consider buying me a “coffee” so I can keep as much of this newsletter free as possible for the dreamers who couldn’t afford it otherwise.
And don’t forget to check out last month’s double feature from 5AM StoryTalk:
Easy Rider… what a film!