by The Great White Gypsy

After slacking off for a day, I hit SIFF hard for a double feature. The first was Regeneration at SIFF Cinema.

ReGeneration, Phillip Montgomery’s first major documentary, focuses on the media-induced apathy and complete lack of empathy for social programs and political causes in our generation. If ever there was a documentary for sexy gypsy to get behind, it’s this one. Perhaps most impressive (and what first attracted me to it) is the lineup of participants. Howard Zinn, STS9, Noam Chomsky, Talib Kweli, Tucker Carlson, Amy Goodman, Mos Def, and several other authors, activists, and publishers lend their expertise and concern amidst Ryan Gosling’s unassuming narration. Montgomery goes a step further (or closer to home) by including roundtable discussions of students from Eagan High School - his alma mater - and interviews with a normal suburban family expecting their second child.

This last element provided perhaps the most noticeable contrast. The couple talks about poverty, war, famine, etc. as something they want to fix, but since it isn’t on their street, or at their doorstep, they aren’t motivated to do anything. Just so we’re clear, this film is essentially a call to arms. It is a firm plea with our generation to stop this uninterested, apathetic culture of A.D.D.. The problems of the world might not be at the Artwohl family’s doorstep, but watching them walk around a quiet, nondescript neighborhood makes us realize that apathy is the real problem, and it is living right next door.

Montgomery doesn’t attempt to vilify anyone. Nor does he endorse specific champions of social change. By keeping it neutral and grey, he makes his audience aware without making them feel guilt, or a lack of accountability because they see someone else is already solving the problem. This is not Michael Moore running around bothering senators and congressmen like Johnny fucking Knoxville. He is challenging us, calling us out on our ridiculous shit, our obsessions with iPods, cell phones, and which celebrity is currently dating who or in rehab. When the word “Homogeny” flashes on the screen, it is followed by a montage of Starbucks and GAP signs, storefront windows, and shopping bags. Not a single person in the room can honestly say that one of those doesn’t apply to them.

It’s always interesting to see Chomsky on screen, and watching the late Howard Zinn tear up talking about history and it’s effect on our present definitely has an impact. But more interesting was seeing archive footage of Mos Def and Talib Kweli holding beat poetry jams and group discussions at their small bookstore in Brooklyn. Possibly one of the most profound concepts in the film is when Kweli recalls how he had to remember song lyrics by KRS-ONE to do well on history tests, because he didn’t learn it in school. Not only is that a striking thought, but I think it really completed the film’s circle. The idea that we actually absorb more information from music, film, gossip columns, and Entertainment Weekly is just as disturbing as it’s ever been, but we have to flip the coin and ask why schools aren’t teaching kids simple historical trivia.

Technically speaking, I always feel that the way a documentary succeeds as a film is if you don’t realize the editing or cinematography was impressive until half an hour after the film, when the subject matter has run it’s course. ReGeneration does have great camera work (there were a few pretentious shots of STS9 looking out over a cliff, but it’s forgivable), but the editing is what stuck with me. Especially when it came to contrasting our consumer culture with graphic videos of Iraq and Afghanistan. Seeing images of overweight teenagers, video games, and Lindsey Lohan is almost abhorrent when they are followed by images of bloody soldiers climbing out of tanks, or insurgents being ripped apart by machine-gun fire.

As I said, this film is essentially a call to arms. As such, it is always infinitely better if a dialog can be started immediately following the viewing. So it was pretty cool that Phillip Montgomery actually showed up for a Q&A to explain the film and speak further about his message. Aside from a couple lame-asses who missed the part about accountability, it was an enlightening discussion, and I would like to thank him for taking the time.

One of the last lines of the film belongs to Mos Def, who basically says, “Sorry if I’m ruining anyone’s vibe or high, but this shit had to be said. It had to.” Not only do I think this film is well-made, but I think it is important as hell for any of us who are tired of the way the world looks through a kaleidoscope of consumer helplessness. And anything that sparks discussion is good in my book, which is why I’m saying that, whether you agree with it or not, everyone should see this film. And for more info, and some reading suggestions, check out the website.

FINAL GRADE: B+

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