Writer-director-producer John Carstarphen’s The Last Philadelphia begins with a message regarding the use of artificial intelligence. The filmmaker used A.I. in the creation of his documentary to “alter his voice” and to “recreate historical events.” One of those makes way more sense than the other, but so be it. The aforementioned historical events are visual representations of civil turmoil that occurred in Philadelphia during the 1960s.
Carstarphen focuses his documentary on the creation, history, and present conditions of Philadelphia. More specifically, he examines how race contributed to the original mission of the City of Brotherly Love and how that influenced early U.S. government ideology. See, Philadelphia had a mission to be inclusive of different races (for the time). Jumping forward to the Civil Rights Movement, two African-American factions held sway and butt heads often. These opposing ideas led to a clash, and its aftermath is still felt throughout the city.
Carstarphen interviews African-American residents of Philly to gain their perspective on both how it currently is and whether they know/understand its history. What did happen to the African-American community in Philadelphia, and is there any way to return to the city’s original vision for all?
“…examines how race contributed to the original mission of the City of Brotherly Love and how that influenced early U.S. government ideology.”
The Last Philadelphia is one hour and 33 minutes long. For the majority of its runtime, it is an introspective and exhaustive examination of race in a place intended to be inclusive. However, around 40 or 45 minutes in, things start to become a bit repetitive. Many interviewees reiterate points they previously made, some of which were just stated a few minutes ago. This slog lasts for roughly 15 minutes, during which viewers just tune out. However, the final 20 minutes or so bring the story back on track. The narrative concludes in an optimistic manner, which makes sense given everything seen and discussed previously.
Repetition aside, the interviewees are all passionate and well-spoken. Some of the most enlightening stories come from a mixed-race couple, an African-American wife and a Caucasian husband. Listening to them describe how people come up to them and are excited to see a mixed-race couple is eye-popping and interesting. An elder lady discusses a fraught bus ride that really highlights just how recently African-Americans were being given the shaft legally. The A.I.-rendered sequences bring these stories and Philadelphia’s history to life in vivid fashion and aren’t overly reliant on them.
The Last Philadelphia could stand to be trimmed by 10 minutes, give or take a little there. But when it focuses on the real people affected by the intense history of the titular city, it is enlightening and frustrating in equal measure. Frustrating because the motion picture spotlights how even the best of intentions can go awry. For the most part, the people interviewed are engaging and speak intelligently of their varied experiences.
For more information, visit the official The Last Philadelphia site.
"…enlightening and frustrating in equal measure."
