The Great Experiment: A Reflection on the Trump Era

"The Great Experiment," directed by Stephen Maing and Eric Daniel Metzgar, is an archival documentary that examines the tumultuous years of Donald Trump's first presidential term from 2017 to 2020. The film presents a mosaic of American life during this period, capturing a nation in a state of political and social upheaval. Utilizing a vérité-style monochrome aesthetic, the documentary forgoes traditional narrative techniques, opting instead for observational vignettes that reflect the diverse experiences and sentiments of Americans across the political spectrum.

Variety Magazine

The documentary is structured into four sections, each marked by stark, irony-laden titles: “i’m sorry, my love,” “this is my home,” “how will we look back,” and “welcome and thank you.” These headings invite viewers to contemplate the state of the American experiment as described by George Washington. The film juxtaposes scenes of leisure, such as snowmobiling and local football games, with moments of conflict, including protests and political rallies, illustrating the complex emotional landscape of the era.

Variety Magazine

A significant focus of "The Great Experiment" is the deepening political divide in the United States. The film captures tense interactions at events like a Gays For Trump rally, where supporters and protestors engage in fraught exchanges, highlighting the stubborn ideological impasse that characterized the Trump presidency. It also depicts various demonstrations, including gun rights rallies and Black Lives Matter gatherings, showcasing the fragmented nature of American society, where opposing factions are often united by a shared sense of being unheard.

Variety Magazine

As the documentary progresses, it shifts to the onset of COVID-19 lockdowns, contrasting the eerie silence of deserted streets with the previously vibrant scenes of political activity. This transition underscores the pervasive influence of politics on all aspects of life, even during a public health crisis. The film culminates with footage from the January 6 Capitol riot, a pivotal moment that encapsulates the ongoing turmoil of Trump's presidency.

Variety Magazine

While the filmmakers maintain a neutral stance, their observational approach raises questions about the lessons learned from this period of unrest. The documentary does not provide explicit commentary but instead invites viewers to reflect on the implications of the events depicted.

Variety Magazine

Critics of the documentary may argue that its observational style lacks a clear narrative or conclusion, potentially leaving viewers with more questions than answers. However, this ambiguity may also serve to reflect the unresolved tensions within American society during the Trump era.

Variety Magazine

• “Thanks, I love it,” — Participant at a Gays For Trump rally

Variety Magazine

• “Maing and Metzgar’s camerawork, so immaculate throughout, briefly succumbs to the disorder of the events, but the film’s measured, stepped-back gaze is consistent, as the filmmakers scrutinize this grayscale kaleidoscope of American unrest for meaning — wondering not so much what we’ve learned from all this, but what we haven’t, and why.” — Reflective sentiment from the filmmakers

Variety Magazine

"The Great Experiment" serves as a poignant exploration of a nation grappling with its identity amid political strife, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of contemporary American life.

Variety Magazine