As the four subjects of this stimulating documentary discuss the politics and ideologies of 20th century America, "Arguing the World" takes on an air of fantasy. Surely these men live in an alternate universe in which people can make a difference through the sheer intellectual force of their ideas.
Joseph Dorman's film, now receiving its U.S. theatrical premiere at New York's Film Forum, is about four men who grew up together in New York, attended City College in the 1930s (which, the film makes clear, was the lower-class equivalent to Harvard) and went on to careers as some of this country's most distinguished cultural and political theorists. Each started as a social radical, enthralled with the possible future of Marxism, but they ultimately diverged in wildly separate directions. Irving Kristol became a figurehead of the neoconservative movement; Nathan Glazer became a critic of liberal social programs; Daniel Bell modified his positions but stayed true to his liberal roots; and the late Irving Howe remained a faithful leftist. The film chronicles the intellectual journey taken by each of these men, who started as friends but later became bitterly divided.
"Arguing the World" is, as one would imagine, an often-static documentary relying primarily on talking heads, but these are heads than certainly can talk. It is also fascinating in its delineation of ideologies adapting with the times and altering relationships. As the men assume their various roles in intellectual life -- writing books, advising presidents, founding magazines like Public Interest, Commentary and Dissent -- their once-close friendship inevitably suffers, though each remains respectful of the others. Ultimately, the film is most valuable for its evocation of a now-unimaginable time when ideas mattered.
ARGUING THE WORLD
First Run Features
Director-screenplay-producer: Joseph Dorman
Executive producer: Arnold Labaton
Associate producer: Gail Segal
Editor: Jonathan Oppenheim
Photography: Peter Brownscombe,
Barrin Bonet, Wayne De La Roche, Boyd Estus
Music: Adam Guettel
Color
Running time -- 107 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Joseph Dorman's film, now receiving its U.S. theatrical premiere at New York's Film Forum, is about four men who grew up together in New York, attended City College in the 1930s (which, the film makes clear, was the lower-class equivalent to Harvard) and went on to careers as some of this country's most distinguished cultural and political theorists. Each started as a social radical, enthralled with the possible future of Marxism, but they ultimately diverged in wildly separate directions. Irving Kristol became a figurehead of the neoconservative movement; Nathan Glazer became a critic of liberal social programs; Daniel Bell modified his positions but stayed true to his liberal roots; and the late Irving Howe remained a faithful leftist. The film chronicles the intellectual journey taken by each of these men, who started as friends but later became bitterly divided.
"Arguing the World" is, as one would imagine, an often-static documentary relying primarily on talking heads, but these are heads than certainly can talk. It is also fascinating in its delineation of ideologies adapting with the times and altering relationships. As the men assume their various roles in intellectual life -- writing books, advising presidents, founding magazines like Public Interest, Commentary and Dissent -- their once-close friendship inevitably suffers, though each remains respectful of the others. Ultimately, the film is most valuable for its evocation of a now-unimaginable time when ideas mattered.
ARGUING THE WORLD
First Run Features
Director-screenplay-producer: Joseph Dorman
Executive producer: Arnold Labaton
Associate producer: Gail Segal
Editor: Jonathan Oppenheim
Photography: Peter Brownscombe,
Barrin Bonet, Wayne De La Roche, Boyd Estus
Music: Adam Guettel
Color
Running time -- 107 minutes
No MPAA rating...
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.