The People Speak

The People Speak, a documentary film written by Howard Zinn and Matt Damon, explores America's struggles with war, class, race, and women's rights, drawing extensively from Zinn's seminal non-fiction book "A People's History of the United States." Released in 2009, this powerful film features a diverse ensemble cast that includes Viggo Mortensen, Julianne Moore, Matt Damon, and Marsha Mason, among others. Through a series of dramatic readings, speeches, letters, and poems, "The People Speak" shines a light on the often-overlooked and marginalized voices of American history, challenging the conventional narrative of the country's past. The film opens with a poignant reading of the American Declaration of Independence, highlighting the paradox between the idealized words of liberty and the harsh realities of colonialism. From this starting point, "The People Speak" embarks on a sweeping journey through the country's history, weaving together moments of triumph and tragedy, resistance and rebellion. The struggles of Native Americans are given prominent focus, with a moving reading of a 1763 speech by William Apess, a leader of the Wampanoag tribe, who denounces British colonization and the destruction it has wrought on his people. The film also explores the experiences of African Americans, from the brutal institution of slavery to the fight for freedom and civil rights. A haunting reading by Jeff Daniels as Sojourner Truth, an escaped slave who fought tirelessly for women's rights and abolition, showcases her indomitable spirit and unrelenting crusade for justice. One of the most striking aspects of "The People Speak" is its portrayal of the American labor movement and the struggles of the working class. David Strathairn, delivering a compelling reading of a 1910 speech by Mother Jones, highlights the grueling working conditions and horrific workplace accidents faced by miners, textile workers, and other laborers. The film also pays tribute to the women's suffrage movement, with Julianne Moore delivering a passionate reading of an 1872 speech by Susan B. Anthony, who argued that women's rights are inextricably linked to the broader struggle for democracy and freedom. The film's exploration of America's wars and military interventions is also deeply unsettling. Viggo Mortensen, in a powerful reading of a 1914 poem by Carl Sandburg, captures the sense of disillusionment and outrage that follows the country's entry into World War I. The film's critique of American exceptionalism and its tendency to project its own values and interests onto other cultures and nations is a timely and provocative commentary on contemporary geopolitics. Throughout the film, the cast and writers skillfully interweave historical events, personal stories, and social commentary, creating a rich tapestry of insight and reflection. The narrative is both epic in scope and intimate in scale, conjuring the voices and experiences of ordinary people who have been marginalized or erased from the traditional American narrative. In "The People Speak," Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States" is more than a historical text – it's a call to action, a reminder that the history we learn is often filtered through the lens of power and privilege, and that a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the past can inform a more just and equitable future. The film serves as a testament to the enduring power of stories and the human need to connect with one another, even in the face of oppression and adversity. The People Speak not only pays tribute to the courageous individuals who have shaped American history but also challenges us to think critically about the country's values and priorities. As the documentary comes to a close, Matt Damon, in a reading of a 1971 speech by Angela Davis, reminds us that the fight for social justice is ongoing, and that the struggle for freedom, equality, and human rights requires our ongoing engagement and commitment.