During its existence, so many immigrants have come to The United States to escape persecution or poverty. Their stories are usually enthralling, and I have gone out of my way to hear the stories of first generation Americans from their own lips. Here is a film that captures much of the drama of those true stories, because it is the story of the director's (Elia Kazan) uncle, whose single-minded goal was to leave Turkey and come to the U.S.
Kazan uses black and white film to achieve the feeling of a documentary, particularly in the last section of the film, when the protagonist--Stavros--arrives on American shores. Kazan also uses some unknown actors, not allowing the story to be subsumed by celebrity.
This story feels like it has been told over and over during family gatherings, crystallizing it into a dramatic essence, achieving nearly-mythical proportions. Still, it feels true to life, infused with hard-edged realism.
"America America" is as fascinating as it is stark in its depiction of the immigrant experience. There is nothing glossy about this story and that is why it resonates with truthfulness.
Kazan uses black and white film to achieve the feeling of a documentary, particularly in the last section of the film, when the protagonist--Stavros--arrives on American shores. Kazan also uses some unknown actors, not allowing the story to be subsumed by celebrity.
This story feels like it has been told over and over during family gatherings, crystallizing it into a dramatic essence, achieving nearly-mythical proportions. Still, it feels true to life, infused with hard-edged realism.
"America America" is as fascinating as it is stark in its depiction of the immigrant experience. There is nothing glossy about this story and that is why it resonates with truthfulness.