The Atomic States of America

The Atomic States of America is about exactly what you think: nuclear power.  To be more specific, the film details just how nuclear power is bad for the United States.  (At least that is the opinion of Don Argott and Sheena M. Joyce, the film’s directors.)

I’m trying to stay as partial as possible, but it is very difficult to like a documentary about a subject with which I don’t agree. The film was made decently—the editing was especially good, as was the music and the cinematography.  But the filmmakers’ knowledge of atomic power is somewhat limited. I got really tired of watching people blame the substance rather than the user.

There was only one guy throughout the documentary who seemed to be for nuclear power but doesn’t think man has reached the point where we can successfully split the atom. I tend to agree with him. Naturally I liked his segments most.

The movie itself is a little over an hour and half, but it felt much longer.  As a result it was difficult to pay attention or even stay awake as the somewhat preachy material was presented.  I’m not saying that the film is bad, it just didn’t come across as unbiased and therefore is one I won’t likely revisit anytime soon.

The Atomic States of America is competing in the US Documentary Competition.