Join or Die’s deeply human moments are undercut by a surface-level aesthetic

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Join or Die's deeply human moments are undercut by a surface-level aesthetic

As a lifelong gamer and avid documentaries viewer, I found “Join or Die” to be a thought-provoking exploration of the importance of social capital and community building in America. My own experiences resonated with the documentary’s themes, particularly during my middle school years when Club Day was a mandatory part of our schedule.

When I was in 6th grade, my school made Fridays one month in a row special for Club Day. They offered various clubs you could join (I, being the avid gamer that I was, picked Film Club). But, membership was compulsory. Most students just saw it as an excuse to use their phones for an hour every week. By the time I reached 8th grade, Club Day had almost vanished, becoming a forgotten piece of history in my mind. That is, until I watched the new documentary Join or Die. It shed light on the thought and effort behind creating Club Day. More than likely, it was a reaction to a major social issue back then in America.

For several decades, Robert Putnam has been expressing concern over the decreasing number of Americans joining clubs and organizations. Starting around the 1970s, there was a significant drop in club membership in America as noted in Putnam’s books such as “Bowling Alone” published in the late 1990s. This downward trend has continued to worsen over subsequent decades. From Putnam’s perspective, this decline in club membership contributes to a growing sense of detachment among Americans. How can we foster a sense of community if we lack opportunities to engage with our neighbors?

Directors Pete and Rebecca Davis not only delve into Putnam’s theory in “Join or Die,” but they also investigate the declining interpersonal connections leading to current societal decay. The concept of “social capital” has become increasingly scarce over the past 20 years since “Bowling Alone” was published. Putnam raised awareness on this issue; now, it’s essential we find solutions.

“In ‘Join or Die,’ one character expresses a deep need for human connection. This is a common theme among the everyday Americans depicted in the film, and it underscores the importance of community in Putnam’s work. While we may not always know how to build these connections, the benefits are clear: humans thrive when they come together.”

In simpler terms, as “Join or Die” interviewees softly express, historic clubs provided a platform for underrepresented communities to unite and advocate for societal transformation. Vintage institutions allowed marginalized groups to find solace and work towards change, with labor unions being one notable example. It’s essential to have such accepting spaces where individuals can feel valued beyond their professional achievements or financial successes.

These core ideas often appear through wacky flourishes, such as loud “DINGS” when important words come on-screen. Chief among these accentuations are recurring animated segments with imagery resembling collages of magazine clippings. Extended bursts of Putnam’s narrated exposition are accompanied with lively visuals from director Mark Lopez. Such cutaways exist to keep Join or Die from being too dry as Putnam explores topics like his experiences charting societal stability in Southern Italy in the 70s. Despite commendable work from Lopez and his team, such animated segments often make Join or Die feel too busy for its own good. In trying to keep viewers from feeling bored, Pete and Rebecca Davis instead make certain sequences too unwieldy.

The animated parts play a crucial role in the creation of this production, which is essentially a simple and straightforward process. Join or Die, as an initial exploration, welcomes beginners to grasp the fundamental concepts of Bowling Alone. In essence, it’s a valid and acceptable representation of Putnam’s work. The film’s enthusiasm from Putnam is heartfelt and maintains a brisk pace throughout its 93-minute duration. What sets this apart are the insightful interviews with individuals across America sharing their personal experiences of joining various social groups. These stories are filled with intriguing and unique contexts, ranging from a cycling club in Atlanta, Georgia to gatherings between labor union leaders.

As a fan, I’m completely drawn in by the way Join or Die blends captivating everyday stories with the power of human connection. What makes it even more engaging is how Pete and Rebecca Davis capture these moments through fly-on-the-wall video footage instead of traditional interviews. The sequences are enhanced with voice-overs where individuals share their personal tales and reasons for starting a club.

In other parts of the documentary “Join or Die,” interviews with prominent American political figures such as Hillary Clinton and Pete Buttigieg are filmed in a more traditional manner. However, the entire film may be criticized for being overly superficial. For instance, there’s a noticeable absence of LGBTQIA+ content in the documentary. This is significant because these communities have historically relied on “clubs” and communal spaces as essential gathering places. Conversely, the documentary highlights the significance of social spaces from the perspectives of church leaders or individuals with large American flags in their homes.

As a documentarian with years of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel disappointed by “Join or Die.” With its boilerplate political perspective, it tries to please everyone, even offering screen time to Republican Utah senator Mike Lee. But in doing so, it loses the gumption that makes for a successful and impactful documentary.

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2024-07-16 18:15