American Dharma

In a large room reminiscent of military architecture, documentary filmmaker Errol Morris sits with far-right political icon Steve Bannon. Bannon, one of the main strategists behind Donald Trump's successful presidential campaign in 2016, engages in a long and provocative conversation about his worldview, beliefs and values. The film is wide-ranging and includes everything from Bannon's specific views on why the United States needs Trump, and how they won the election campaign, to his analyses of classic American films such as The Searchers (John Ford) and especially Twelve O'Clock High (Henry King). While Bannon is direct and not shy about glorifying his own achievements, Morris tries to contradict him with archival material and arguments. Although they may disagree, their dialogue remains respectful, which in several places contrasts with Bannon's crude statements.

Morris's cinematography combined with a crescendo soundtrack results in the eerie feeling of entering Bannon's mind. With irony and subtlety, American Dharma takes on the controversial task of providing a platform to an "alt-right" personality. To "defeat" Bannon in a debate seems almost impossible, but sometimes the most effective is maybe to let one's opponents speak out.