The Plot Against America
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History is everything that happens everywhere.
Even here in Newark.
Even here on Summit Avenue.
Schlammes camera follows him from behind as he carefully walks down the street among unfamiliar strangers and buildings.
Hes but one small child in a still unfamiliar world thats rapidly devolving before his eyes.
The Lindbergh administration makes decisions that directly impact the Levins health and safety as Jews in America.
But similarly, the Levins make decisions that have rippling consequences.
Evelyn didnt know that her relationship with Rabbi Bengelsdorf would estrange her from her sister and nephews.
Actions have consequences, from the White House to the Levin home.
Enter Herman Levin, a man who continues to futilely fight for a country that barely recognizes him anymore.
Bess yells at him when she raises the concern that the Lindbergh administration monitors the mail.)
Schlamme intimately films the brawl, emphasizing close-ups of frightened faces and swirling masses of fists and bottles.
Herman makes it home with a battered face as a souvenir of his idealism.
He just doesnt want to move.
Cant Seldon and his mother go instead of us?
How comewehave to go to Kentucky and they dont?
Philip asks his aunt, speaking in adolescent terms of fairness.
Why cant you ship off the annoying kid from downstairs who wants to play chess all the time?
Why us, not them?
He couldnt have predicted that his father would quit his job, keeping him and Sandy safely in Newark.
Our family is an experiment to you?
The family has splintered between resisters and co-conspirators.
Theyve lost professional standing.
Theyve been victims of harassment and hate crimes.
Theyve witnessed their friends flee across the border.
The Levins are a microcosm of the effects of American fascism.
Its no wonder Philip crouches in the dark, hiding away from the world.
The Cossacks are finally knocking at the door, and they look like people theyve known their entire lives.
Shepsie finally moves to Winnipeg, which hes mostly ambivalent about.
My brother says its nice.
Hes an idiot, but thats what he says.
Both Herman and Alvin are told to apply Epsom salts to their skin to get to toughen it up.
They do not get to win!
