Slay the Dragon is a documentary film released in 2019 which delves into one of the most serious issues in the United States today - gerrymandering. With the help of Stephen Wolf, a political analyst specializing in redistricting, the movie explores the political manipulations that have led to the skewed representation of American democracy.
The documentary uses the 2016 election and the aftermath that ensued as a case study. It opens with a voiceover by Wisconsin resident Katie Fahey, who kicks off a grassroots effort to fight for fair voting rights. Fahey and her team are joined by a group of concerned citizens who aim to change the redistricting laws and fight against the increasing power of special interest groups.
The movie also examines the lives of other individuals, such as women's rights activist Erin Geiger Smith and the former mayor of Michigan's city of Grand Rapids-George Heartwell. They both come forward to reveal how undemocratic redistricting has devastated their respective communities. They have suffered at the hands of lawmakers who gerrymandered their political districts in order to prevent certain groups from exercising their constitutional right to vote.
Throughout the documentary, the viewers witness the injustice that redistricting brings. The filmmakers interviewed Charles Williams II, another Wisconsin resident who has seen his life turned upside down after the state's district lines were redrawn. He explains that the reorganization of political boundaries has led to the division of communities, racial segregation, and discrimination.
Redistricting, as shown by the movie, is not something new. It has been occurring in the States for a long time. However, it has worsened over the years. The documentary reveals the mechanics of the politicians' plans and how they use computer algorithms to skew the voting results in their favor.
Slay the Dragon highlights some of the most famous gerrymandering cases in recent history, including the controversy surrounding the 2010 redistricting of Michigan. The film provides an in-depth analysis of the current situation, with a few scenes documenting how the situation has worsened since 2016.
The documentary's underlying message is clear. Gerrymandering is a problem. It is not just a problem for the United States, but for democracies all over the world. It undermines democracy and freedom, and puts citizens at the mercy of the political powers in their respective countries.
The filmmakers succeed in engaging the audience, sparking their interest, and prompting them to learn more about redistricting. The documentary feels authentic and raw, with interviews consisting of everyday citizens providing personal experiences of how the system has failed them.
The cinematography is nothing short of spectacular, with breathtaking drone shots, stunning visuals, and an enthralling score. The movie has just the right mix of tense and peaceful music, helping to emphasize the gravity of the situation.
The movie is directed by Chris Durrance and Barak Goodman, who have a wealth of experience in the documentary world. They have directed similar movies such as "Oklahoma City" and "My Lai". The script is well-written and expertly crafted, with just enough information and intrigue to keep the audience captivated throughout the entire run time.
The movie has received criticism from some viewers, who believe that it is biased, and framed more towards one political side than the other. Others believe that it does not provide the audience with enough factual information, but more of a 'feeling' towards why redistricting is wrong. Nonetheless, the movie has received widespread critical acclaim.
Overall, Slay the Dragon is an interesting and thought-provoking film that should be seen by anyone interested in politics and what is happening in the United States today. It opens the doors to a maze of political and social problems that should be examined in order to provoke positive and long-lasting change. The documentary is informative, well-crafted, and worth watching.
Slay the Dragon is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 73.
