Many areas of the world rarely make it to the television screen unless they are experiencing catastrophic events such as earthquakes, floods, or outbreaks of deadly diseases. This is not surprising in a time when the line between information and entertainment is often blurred. People are rarely captivated by news of individuals living prosperous lives, communities thriving in harmony, or disasters being averted. However, such news can be presented in an engaging and thought-provoking manner. Unfortunately, the makers of Not in This Town, a 1997 television film directed by Donald Wrye, failed to do so.
The film portrays real-life events that occurred in Billings, Montana in the early 1990s. Known for its lack of diversity, the area became a target for white supremacists and neo-Nazis who initiated a campaign of terror against local Jews and African Americans. Tammy Schnitzer (portrayed by Kathy Baker), the wife of a Jewish doctor, takes a stand against bigotry by starting a petition to prevent further violence, despite facing indifference from the local community.
While the intentions of the filmmakers are commendable, good intentions alone do not make a good film. The script by Adam Gilad takes the easy route by portraying Nazis as despicable villains and minorities as helpless victims, with the community predictably coming together to do the right thing. There was potential for exploring deeper themes of bigotry, conformity, and civic courage, but director Donald Wrye missed the opportunity. The film follows a typical American TV-film formula, exaggerating minor incidents for dramatic effect. The lack of a proper catharsis leaves the audience feeling unsatisfied and cheated by the end. This is particularly disappointing for a film based on real events with such relevance to today's world.
Rating: 2/10 (-)
(Note: This review was originally posted on the Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on March 22, 2004)
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