The American Dreamer

Watch The American Dreamer

  • NR
  • 2016
  • 1 hr 21 min
  • 6.5  (454)

The American Dreamer is a 1971 documentary film directed by Lawrence Schiller and L.M. Kit Carson. It follows the life of actor and filmmaker Dennis Hopper, who had become a counterculture icon in the late 1960s for his roles in groundbreaking films such as Easy Rider and The Trip. The film is a fascinating look at Hopper's psyche as he embarks on a journey to discover the meaning of the American Dream.

The film follows Hopper as he invites a group of friends and artists to his home in Taos, New Mexico. Hopper's Taos house is a surreal and eclectic mix of art and objects that reflect his personality - ranging from sculptures and paintings to a coffin that he frequently naps in. Hopper also invites Princess Lida Amun, an enigmatic African princess who becomes his muse and companion throughout the film.

The film takes a voyeuristic approach, as camera crews follow Hopper and his guests around his house, observing their conversations and interactions. The film is interspersed with interviews with Hopper, in which he waxes philosophical about the American Dream and his interpretation of it. This stream-of-consciousness monologue is a key aspect of the film, and it presents Hopper as a deeply troubled and complex individual.

Through his conversations with his guests and his musings on the American Dream, Hopper reveals his pessimistic outlook on life. He sees the American Dream as a myth that has been sold to the masses, and he believes that the world is on the brink of collapse. He is unrelenting in his criticism of American society, and his views seem to be shaped by the turbulent political climate of the late 1960s, which saw the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the counterculture movement.

Despite his seeming disillusionment with society, Hopper is also incredibly creative and artistic. He spends much of his time painting and sculpting, and he encourages his guests to explore their artistic sides as well. He also incorporates his art into his daily life, as seen in his elaborate and surreal living space.

The film features a number of colorful characters, including Hopper's drug dealer and a group of hippies who visit Hopper's house. These characters serve to highlight the counterculture movement of the time and the influence that drugs and experimenting with new experiences had on it.

The American Dreamer is a fascinating time capsule of the counterculture movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. It presents Hopper as a complex and contradictory figure - a creative genius who is also deeply troubled by the state of the world. The film is an intimate and unfiltered look at Hopper's life, and it captures the essence of the artistic and cultural climate of the time.

Overall, The American Dreamer is a must-see for anyone interested in the counterculture movement of the late 1960s and 1970s. It presents a unique and unvarnished look at the life of Dennis Hopper and his perspective on the American Dream. Whether you love him or hate him, Hopper is an unforgettable figure, and this film is a fitting tribute to his legacy.

The American Dreamer is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.

The American Dreamer
Description
Where to Watch The American Dreamer
The American Dreamer is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon and Google Play. Some platforms allow you to rent The American Dreamer for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2016
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 21 min
  • IMDB Rating
    6.5  (454)