The film also features an interesting discussion about race relations, a longstanding issue in this country. Experts in the film believe that Detroit was a test case for allowing Black Americans to govern themselves, emphasizing the “Audacity to Govern.” The racial discussion is quite extensive, and whether you agree with it or not, it’s important to listen to it.
I’m no conspiracy theorist, but as a documentary, Gradually, Then Suddenly is a scary story. Cities across the country are heading in the same direction as Detroit, yet they are not heeding the warnings from its story. My only criticism of the documentary is that it never truly addresses accountability. Again, how did we get here? At no time were any of the city’s leader ever held accountable for their spending habits and mismanagement of funds and services. Instead, we get the constant moaning and whining about “you can’t shut down this” and “you can’t shut down that.”
“…shows how much any solution would hurt not only the city of Detroit but also its tax-paying citizens.”
As much as Michigan’s Republican state leadership is blamed for not simply writing a check and paying off Detroit’s mistakes, the documentary shows how much any solution would hurt not only the city of Detroit but also its tax-paying citizens. Tough choices need to be made, and you can feel the frustration of those most affected by those tough choices. Their only response was for the Emergency Manager to find another way to fix the problem.
I’ll give credit to directors Sam Katz and James McGovern. They interviewed everyone, including Detroit’s Mayor at the time, Dave Bing, Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr, some of the institutional lenders, and even former Governor Rick Snyder. Kudos to everyone for speaking their mind and laying the situation out from their perspective.
Gradually, Then Suddenly is a sobering look at the complexities and harsh realities of municipal bankruptcy. The documentary serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of financial responsibility and the devastating consequences of mismanagement. For those interested in understanding the intricate dynamics of a city’s financial collapse, this film is a must-watch. For those living through it, you get what you vote for. (P.S. I live in California, and we’re not far behind.)
"…sobering look at the complexities and harsh realities of municipal bankruptcy."
