Watch As Goes Janesville

As Goes Janesville is a documentary film that explores how a Wisconsin city copes with the aftermath of the closure of a General Motors (GM) plant. It shows the resilience of the community, as it tries to create jobs and bring back prosperity. The film follows several individuals whose lives are affected by the plant closure. First, we meet Tim Cullen, a Democratic state senator who tries to negotiate with GM and prevent the closure. He is shown as a dedicated public servant who cares deeply about the people in his district. He works tirelessly to try to find solutions that will bring new jobs to the area.

Next, we meet Mary Wilmer, a banker who serves on a committee that tries to attract new businesses to Janesville. She is portrayed as someone who is optimistic but also realistic about the challenges that the city faces. She believes that with hard work, determination, and creativity, the city can rise again.

We also meet Cindy Deegan, a union leader who fights for the rights of workers who have lost their jobs. She is a single mother who knows firsthand the struggles of trying to survive on unemployment benefits. She tries to help train workers for new jobs and to keep their spirits up during this difficult time.

Finally, we meet John Beckord, the head of Forward Janesville, an economic development organization that tries to bring new businesses to the area. He is shown as a tireless advocate for the city, working day and night to try to find solutions to the problems that beset it.

The film captures the emotional rollercoaster that the city goes through as it tries to rebuild. There are moments of triumph, as new businesses move in and the city starts to show signs of life. But there are also moments of despair, as people struggle to make ends meet and find new jobs.

Throughout the film, we see the role that politics plays in the city's fate. The filmmakers do not take sides, but they show how both Republicans and Democrats have different views on how to solve the city's problems. There are debates and disagreements, but ultimately everyone wants what is best for Janesville.

One of the strengths of the film is its focus on the people of Janesville. The filmmakers do not just show statistics or news footage, but they give us a real sense of what it is like to live in this city. We see the houses and streets where people live, the shops where they work, and the parks where they relax.

The film also uses powerful imagery to capture the mood of the city. There are shots of empty factories, abandoned buildings, and deserted streets. But there are also shots of people coming together, holding rallies, and working together to create a new future.

As Goes Janesville is a powerful reminder of the resilience of American communities in the face of economic adversity. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and to the power of determination and hope. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in the future of American towns and cities, and for anyone who wants to see how people can come together to make a difference.

As Goes Janesville is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.