Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia 2013
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by Nicholas Wrathall, Theodore James, Burr Steers
Directed by Nicholas Wrathall
DVD , color, 89 min.
High School - General Adult
Homosexulaity, History, Literature, Film, Journalism
Date Entered: 07/01/2015
Reviewed by Jacob Carter, University of Massachusetts BostonGore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia provides an overview of the career and life of author, political candidate, social critic, and public intellectual Gore Vidal (1925 - 2012.) Throughout his more than half century long career, Vidal authored several works of fiction and non-fiction addressing multiple topics in the realms of politics, history, and sexuality and was known in part for high profile feuds with the likes of Truman Capote, William F. Buckley, and Norman Mailer. Vidal questioned, challenged, and helped alter widely held notions of social justice. In doing so, Vidal influenced literature, film, historical debate, and politics along the way.
Constructed from images, commentary, and clips from televised interviews, the documentary provides a general overview of Gore Vidal’s influence on American intellectualism. The film is therefore potentially useful to multiple disciplines as an educational tool, especially courses in the humanities. Considering that the documentary is only intended to provide a general overview of Vidal’s contributions, it is best suited for use as an augment to corresponding topics and themes. Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia is also recommended for general library collections.