You’ve Been Trumped 2012
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by Richard Phinney
Directed by Anthony Baxter
DVD , color, 95 min.
Jr. High - General Adult
Area Studies, Business, Environmental Studies, European Studies, International Relations, Political Science
Date Entered: 05/30/2013
ALA Notable: yes
Reviewed by Carrie M. Macfarlane, Head of Research and Instruction, Library and Information Services, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT
It’s easy to think of reasons why people love to hate Donald Trump. He’s brash, he’s vain, he shows no compassion...and that’s just a sampling from a list of criticisms that could be compiled. You’ve Been Trumped makes that list even longer. The film adds enough environmental wrongs and cultural insensitivity to make viewers angry and embarrassed at the same time. Viewers also will be upset to see how government officials can cave to external pressures.
Mr. Trump is proposing to build a golf resort in a remote coastal area of Scotland. He has selected a rare dune environment, the last of its kind. He parades around from one photo op to another, calling local citizens slobs. He touts the full support of environmental officials, which is, simply and shockingly, a lie.
There is no narration in the film, just the voices of the people involved. We get to know the residents of the affected area through their stories about their personal connections to the land. We learn about the research value of the dunes from scientists who specialize in this area of study. We hear local officials describe the rules that were applied when the resort proposal was denied.
And that is why it is so appalling that the Scottish Government allowed Trump’s golf course to go forward. The higher-ups overruled the locals, thereby ignoring the environmental loss.
Given how outrageous Donald Trump’s claims are, the film would have been more satisfying if the director had succeeded in forcing Trump to answer questions. Additional satisfaction could have been derived from a pointed Q&A with a Scottish Government official.
Fascination with Donald Trump, outrage at environmental and cultural degradation, and subtle filmmaking technique all make this a compelling movie. It is highly recommended for junior high through adult audiences.
Awards
- Special Jury Prize, Traverse City Film Festival
- ALA Notable Videos for Adults Annual List
- Best Documentary, Starz Denver Film Festival
- Best Film, Edindocs Film Festival, Edinburgh
- Green Award, Sheffield International Documentary Film Festival
- Social Justice Award, Hamptons International Film Festival
- Best Environmental Film, Sedona International Film Festival
- Best Feature Film, San Francisco Green Film Festival
- Jury Award, Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival
- Audience Award, Take One Action Film Festival, Scotland
- Audience Award, DaKINO International Film Festival, Bucharest, Romania
- Whistleblower Award, Cinema Verde Environmental Film Festival
- Honorable Mention, EcoFocus Film Festival