Tea Party: The Documentary Film

This documentary describes the origin of the modern Tea Party movement, which exploded into national prominence during the summer of 2009, when angry citizens and self-described patriots confronted legislators at raucous town meetings, railing against Washington's “permanent political class” and demanding an immediate return to free markets, constitutionally limited government, and fiscal responsibility. Tea Party follows members, sometimes clad in colorful Revolutionary War–era costumes, as they prepare for a September 2009 rally in Washington, D.C. While taking a few swipes at former President Bush, the speakers reserve most of their wrath for Obama, denouncing government stimulus plans, Wall Street bailouts, healthcare reform, and, most of all, what they see as excessive intrusion into the private lives of average Americans. Clearly intended as a wakeup call and recruitment tool, the film sometimes finds passion trumping reality, as in its forceful declarations that “nobody” wants healthcare reform. Claims of “mainstream media” bias are also heard repeatedly, and when a bomb threat disrupts a planning session, political opponents are quickly blamed. Tea Party adherents are interviewed extensively (the documentary goes to great lengths to defuse the charge of racial bias), and numerous speeches at rallies are shown, but no opposing viewpoints are presented. The film concludes with a brief November 2009 postscript—well before the final legislative debate on healthcare, making it already somewhat out of date. DVD extras include a “making-of” featurette, deleted scenes, a music video, and filmmaker bios. An optional purchase, at best. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)