Video Americain

Review

It's 1937 in America. The poor form bread lines, the rich rail against Communism, and 22-year-old upstart Orson Welles joins John Houseman to put on a show. . . a Federal Theatre production of Marc Blitzstein's musical "Cradle Will Rock." What Welles and Houseman see as a play, others see as an arm of the Red Menace. The Federal Theatre Project itself is under attack as un-American, foreshadowing NEA struggles today. Director Robbins weaves multiple story lines in this complex exploration of an era of social upheaval and ideological confrontation. A gifted ensemble deliver spirited performances: MacFayden and Elwes delight as Welles and Houseman; Blades carries the role of Diego Rivera with the requisite bravado; Murray's red-bating Crickshaw inspires poignant revulsion; Jones' battling head of the Federal Theatre dazzles. In fact, there's not a bad performance in the lot. Robbins' evocation of 1930s New York City is complete and convincing. The film's structure, while at times somewhat cumbersome, allows the protagonists to reflect each other, like facets of a prism. It's a story ideally fitted to Robbins' political leanings, and he has fully utilized his cast to give voice to the myriad opinions of the day, capturing a sense of excitement and urgency. The film's final shot is wry and cautionary and pretty damn sobering. An entertaining and thought-provoking film.