Watch USA: Life in a High Security Prison

USA: Life in a High Security Prison is a documentary film that gives an inside look at the American prison system. The film explores the realities faced by inmates who are incarcerated in high-security prisons, providing a glimpse into their daily lives, the routines they follow, and the challenges they face. The film takes viewers through different stages of the prison experience, from initial intake to daily life in prison, and finally to release. The documentary attempts to shed light on the impacts of incarceration on the human mind and spirit, and how prison life drastically alters the way that inmates perceive their own sense of self, their relationship to others, and the world more generally.

One of the most striking aspects of USA: Life in a High Security Prison is its focus on the harsh reality of prison life. The film showcases how inmates must navigate a complex and often violent social hierarchy within the prison walls, facing the constant threat of violence from other inmates, struggling to maintain a sense of physical and mental space, and confronting the psychological trauma of long-term isolation.

The film also examines the impact the prison system has on inmates' mental health. Mental health is a common issue among inmates, and the film does an excellent job of showing its reality without sensationalizing it. The prison system is not equipped to handle their conditions effectively, and the film makes a strong argument that we need to do more to support inmates with mental health challenges.

Another key theme of the documentary is how the prison system disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly Black and Brown people. From the racial profiling that lands them in the system to the discriminatory ways that they are treated behind bars, the film shows how the system has been designed to push them down and further entrench racial inequalities.

While the film is undeniably bleak, it offers hope in its message that a better system is possible. The documentary highlights efforts being taken in some areas to reform the system, including support programs for released inmates, alternatives to incarceration like drug courts, and the efforts of professional organizations like the American Bar Association.

In terms of its structure, USA: Life in a High Security Prison is a remarkable achievement. The filmmakers take great care to ensure that the inmates themselves are at the center of the story, and the film is shot with great attention to capturing their experiences and perspectives. Rather than a voiceover, the documentary relies on interviews with inmates and various stakeholders within the system, including legal advocates and family members of incarcerated individuals.

One of the things that make this film stand apart from others in the same genre is its lack of sensationalism. The filmmakers resist the temptation to use the stories of the inmates to provide cheap thrills for viewers, instead showing their stories in a respectful and non-exploitative way.

Additionally, the film does an excellent job of contextualizing the issue of mass incarceration within the broader societal and political realities. USA: Life in a High Security Prison situates itself within the larger context of the American criminal justice system, showing how systemic racism, poverty, and social marginalization contribute to the persistent and widespread problem of mass incarceration.

Overall, USA: Life in a High Security Prison is an important and timely documentary that provides a deep and sobering look into the American criminal justice system. While it may not be a comforting watch, it is an essential one for anyone seeking a better understanding of the societal challenge of mass incarceration and the humanity behind the people affected by it.

USA: Life in a High Security Prison is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 56 hours.