Dream On 2014
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980
Produced by Roger Weisberg
Directed by Roger Weisberg
DVD , color, 99 min.
High School - General Adult
African Americans, Business, Careers, Economics, Education, Human Rights, Criminal Justice, Labor Relations, Political Science, Social Sciences, Social Work, Sociology, Urban Areas
Date Entered: 09/15/2015
Reviewed by Andrew Koval, MSLSDream On frames and assesses the current reality of the American dream. Comedian John Fugelsang hosts this travelogue across the United States. Fugelsang serves as an authentic core to the themes and people featured herein. The writing of Alexis de Tocqueville is cited throughout which serves as the basis for the idea of the American dream. Tocqueville’s definition of the American dream is juxtaposed against the opinions of those interviewed and issues such as the prison industrial complex, economic inequality, health care and homelessness.
The editing offers expediently cut scenes that are engaging. Pacing for the film divides screen time between interviews and Fugelsang’s stand-up comedy which is reminiscent of the television series Seinfeld (1989-1998). Content on the disc is played on a loop featuring no main menu options which reduces access to specific scenes. For similar content see the film Religulous (2008). Dream On ought to be included in public and academic library collections and is recommended for students in the social sciences.