American Dharma (2019) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

Errol Morris's documentary builds a portrait of Steve Bannon through an extended interview about his films, media career, and political roles.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

War Stories and Film

Morris interviews Bannon on a set modeled after Twelve O'Clock High. The opening section frames the conversation through films and ideas that Bannon says affected his perceptions and beliefs.

Key Events

• The Interview Set — Morris and Bannon speak on a set modeled on the setting of Twelve O'Clock High. Characters: Self, Self Location: A set replicating the air-strip and Quonset hut from Twelve O'Clock High
• Five-Part Structure — The documentary is organized into five titled sections. Characters: Self, Self Location: Interview set
• The Fog of #war — Bannon discusses films and ideas in the documentary's first titled section. Characters: Self, Self Location: Interview set
• War Film References — Bannon addresses films whose effects on his perceptions and beliefs are discussed. Characters: Self Location: Interview set

Media and Political Anger

The dialogue proceeds through the sections Honey Badgers and Angry Voices. Bannon's time as executive chairman of Breitbart News is among the subjects discussed.

Key Events

• Honey Badgers — The interview continues through the documentary's second titled section. Characters: Self, Self Location: Interview set
• Breitbart News Role — Bannon's time as executive chairman of Breitbart News is among the topics discussed. Characters: Self Location: Interview set
• Angry Voices — Morris and Bannon continue their dialogue in the third titled section. Characters: Self, Self Location: Interview set

Campaign and Headlines

The documentary addresses Bannon's role as chief executive of Trump's 2016 campaign. Interview material is intercut with archival footage and headlines from the candidacy.

Key Events

• Campaign Leadership — Bannon's role as chief executive of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign is discussed. Characters: Self, Self Location: Interview set
• Campaign News Montage — The documentary juxtaposes the interview with archival footage and headlines from Trump's candidacy. Characters: Self, Self Location: Interview and archival footage
• What Have I Done? — The interview reaches its fourth titled section. Characters: Self, Self Location: Interview set

Administration and Reflection

In What Have I Done?, Bannon's time on the National Security Council in Trump's administration is discussed. The film continues to connect the interview with political headlines and film references.

Key Events

• What Have I Done? — The interview reaches its fourth titled section. Characters: Self, Self Location: Interview set
• National Security Council — Bannon's time on the National Security Council in Trump's administration is discussed. Characters: Self, Self Location: Interview set
• Presidency Headlines — Headlines from Trump's presidency are juxtaposed with the interview footage. Characters: Self, Self Location: Interview and archival footage
• Films and Beliefs — Bannon reflects on how selected films affected his perceptions and beliefs. Characters: Self, Self Location: Interview set

Final Exchange

The final titled section, Go F#ck Yourself, continues the conversation between Morris and Bannon. The documentary closes its argument through the juxtaposition of interview footage, film excerpts, archival material, and headlines.

Key Events

• Go F#ck Yourself — Morris and Bannon's dialogue continues in the fifth titled section. Characters: Self, Self Location: Interview set
• Documentary Juxtaposition — The documentary combines interview footage, film excerpts, archival material, and political headlines. Characters: Self, Self Location: Interview set and archival footage

Story Breakdown

• Interview Framework — Morris and Bannon's dialogue provides the documentary's central structure.
  • Replicated Film Set — The interview takes place on a set replicating the air-strip and Quonset hut from Twelve O'Clock High.
  • Projected Film Clips — The interview incorporates clips shown on a projector that remains out of frame.
• Film and Belief — Bannon discusses the effects of selected films on his perceptions and beliefs.
  • War Film References — The documentary includes references to Twelve O'Clock High, The Bridge on the River Kwai, and Paths of Glory.
  • Broader Filmography — The film also cuts in excerpts from other works listed in the documentary's filmography.
• Breitbart Tenure — Bannon's time as executive chairman of Breitbart News forms one strand of the interview.
  • Media Leadership — The documentary identifies Bannon's executive-chairman role at Breitbart News.
  • Political Context — The discussion places that tenure alongside Bannon's other political roles.
• Trump Campaign — The documentary discusses Bannon's leadership role in Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.
  • Campaign Executive — Bannon served as chief executive of the campaign.
  • Candidacy Headlines — News headlines from Trump's candidacy appear alongside interview footage.
• Administration Service — Bannon's time in Trump's administration is another subject of the conversation.
  • National Security Council — The reference specifically identifies Bannon's service on the administration's National Security Council.
  • Presidency Headlines — The documentary juxtaposes the interview with headlines from Trump's presidency.
• Documentary Construction — Morris combines the interview with film excerpts, archival footage, and political graphics.
  • Five Titled Sections — The documentary is segmented into five named sections, from The Fog of #war to Go F#ck Yourself.
  • Archival Juxtaposition — Interview footage is intercut with related filmography, archival footage, and news headlines.

Directed by

Errol Morris

Key Cast

• Steve Bannon — Self
• Errol Morris — Self
• Donald Trump — Self (archive footage)
• Andrew Breitbart — Self (archive footage)
• Anthony Weiner — Self (archive footage)