Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia (2013)

In this gripping documentary, "Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia" (2013), we delve into the life and times of the audacious American essayist, novelist, and playwright/screenwriter Gore Vidal (1925-2012). Tracing his journey through insightful interviews, including candid conversations with Vidal himself, and a treasure trove of archival footage, we witness the evolution of a man who blurred the line between fiction and non-fiction, and used history merely as a launchpad to present his critique of American society. A fearless critic of organized religion and politics, Vidal rose to prominence from a political family background. His works, often laced with his experiences as an openly gay man, and his long-term relationship with partner Howard Auster, paint a vivid tapestry of his perspectives. His unabashed criticism of political allies, including President John F. Kennedy, and his own unsuccessful political exploits, only serve to underscore his uncompromising views. Vidal's notoriety is not merely derived from his controversial stances. His lively demeanor and sharp wit, especially evident in his explosive 1968 political debates with intellectual adversary William F. Buckley, made him a compelling figure on television. However, this is more than just a biographical film. It's an unflinching exploration of Vidal's America, where he asserts a political coup has already occurred, banishing the humanistic values of liberals to the annals of history. Through a blend of freshly filmed interviews and historical footage of his numerous television appearances over the past half-century, the film delves into Vidal's scathing critique of the façade of the new America. It lays bare his profound concern about the state of American democracy and the course of history and policy making, leading to his dramatic conclusions about the destiny of the nation in the modern age. "Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia" is an immersive journey into the mind of one of America's most polarizing figures, a fascinating exploration of his life, his beliefs, and his unapologetically opinionated perspective on the state of his nation.

Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia is a documentary movie featuring Gore Vidal and directed by Nicholas D. Wrathall.

Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Plex, Plex Player and The Roku Channel.

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