‘American Factory’ debuts on Netflix
Sometimes you have to read the credits. Netflix begins streaming “American Factory,” a documentary directed by Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert, but probably better known for its producers, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle.
“American” follows the culture clash that occurs when an Ohio factory formerly run by General Motors is reopened by a Chinese manufacturer. The film shows the great expectations that greeted the plant’s reopening and details the state subsidies that helped the deal come together. It also portrays American workers as they adjust to the expectations of their foreign managers.
This film was made before the current trade war with China began to dominate economic news, so it arrives at an interesting time.
The theme of American employees adjusting to an Asian work ethic is hardly new. Way back in 1986, Ron Howard directed the comedy “Gung Ho,” set in a Japanese-owned car factory. The film starred Michael Keaton and was shot on location in Pittsburgh.
The notion of a former president as film producer is hardly novel. Presidential candidate and former Vice President Al Gore wrote and appeared in “An Inconvenient Truth,” a 2006 documentary about the environment that won two Oscars.
Like many in politics, the current president has criticized Hollywood and the entertainment industry. But the present administration has been enmeshed in show business like no other.
The president is a former television star, host and producer. Not to mention an enthusiastic watcher of cable news.
Before becoming treasury secretary, Steve Mnuchin was a film producer and has executive producer credits on many well-known films, from “The Lego Movie” to “Wonder Woman.”
Former White House strategist Steve Bannon was also a film producer, dating back to the 1991 commercial film “The Indian Runner.”
His polemical documentaries included “The Undefeated,” featuring Sarah Palin, and “Torchbearer,” starring Phil Robertson of “Duck Dynasty” fame.
› Hulu imports the U.K. comedy “This Way Up,” starring Irish actresses Aisling Bea and Sharon Horgan. Dubbed a “sadcom” by the British newspaper The Telegraph, it chronicles an older sister’s (Horgan) attempts to navigate life
and romance while looking out for her mentally unstable sibling.
› A&E doubles down on superstition, with a “new” take on “Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m., TV-PG). The new crew introduces itself and its “professional” approach before investigating a haunted school (9 p.m.). “Psychic Kids” (10 p.m., TV-PG) follows.
Contact Kevin McDonough at kevin .tvguy@gmail.com.