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The documentary film What’s the Matter with Kansas? expands on the themes of Thomas Frank’s NY Times best-selling book, and has garnered considerable acclaim. Click on the icons on the left of each review to link to the original.
Roger Ebert named the movie one of the Ten Best Documentaries of 2009, writing, “I’ve rarely seen a documentary quite like it. It has a point to make but no ax to grind. It doesn’t connect the dots, nor does it need to. It takes no cheap shots. It is all there to see.”
“In some ways exceeds the book…I strongly urge readers to head over to see the most thought-provoking documentary in some time.”
“Carefully cultivating a nonjudgmental tone that’s largely free of condescension—no small achievement—the filmmaker’s approach pays off in the final reel, when everyone’s dilemmas touch us.”
“For an engrossing visit to another world — one that doesn’t involve 3-D glasses — What’s the Matter With Kansas? is the film to see.”
“A fascinating and, really, heartbreaking doc….What’s beautiful about the movie is its lack of judgment by the filmmakers. They just let their subjects – good people whom you like – talk. Draw your own conclusions.”
“Winston presents us with a broad view of Kansas and Kansans. He’s chosen to interview people in depth and let them speak at length. That’s the mark of a good documentary.”
“The only thing a filmmaker can do is ‘shine a flashlight’ on the conflict and hope that it contributes to discussion and meaningful dialogue that might bring the country together. ‘What’s the Matter with Kansas?’ does that in captivating fashion.”
“Interesting, compelling, quite funny, and stays true to the ideas behind Frank’s own questions about the historical conundrum of Kansas. Highly recommended.”
“What’s the Matter With Kansas? is another solidly produced addition to this welcome wave of meaningful cinema.”
“A funny, smart and important look at the intersection of religion and politics in America today. It’s a movie that needs to be seen in both red and blue states, by liberals and conservatives alike.”
“Other documentarians have approached the denizens of the heartland as if on safari. The filmmakers spend enough time with those profiled to get a sense of what led them to where they are.”
“What’s the Matter with Kansas? feels like the truth. No one on either side is treated like a caricature.”
“This documentary succeeds because it tells the right number of stories, maintaining a progressive heartland point of view without behaving like a jerk with those on the other side of the fence.”
“Entertaining and eye-opening. Without passing judgment, director Joe Winston follows several fascinating subjects.” “Cohen and Winston are clearly filmmakers to watch out for.“
Salon.com noted our exclusive coverage of recently-slain Kansas abortion provider Dr. George Tiller and his adversaries in the Pro-Life movement.
The LA Times found the movie puts a human face on Thomas Frank’s best-seller.”
Listen to Thomas Frank and Joe Winston talk to broadcasting legend Bob Edwards about the journey from page to screen making “What’s the Matter with Kansas?” on Bob Edwards Weekend 3/26/10.
Watch Thomas Frank and Joe Winston talk to ABC News’ Rick Klein and David Chalian about how the themes of the movie hold up in today’s political climate on ABC’s Top Line 3/19/10.
Listen to Thomas Frank, Joe Winston and Laura Cohen talk with WBEZ’s Allison Cuddy on “Eight Forty-Eight” 9/17/09.
Watch Mark Bazer interview director Joe Winston on “The Interview Show” in October 2009.
Joe Winston’s previous film work includes the documentary, “The Burning Man Festival,” and the cable TV series This Week in Joe’s Basement. Laura Cohen is a veteran of film and TV productions, including The Power of Choice: The Life and Ideas of Milton Friedman.
PRESS PHOTOS – Click image to enlarge and download
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 A Child Not a Choice - Angel Dillard's barn PHOTO CREDIT: Laura Cohen |
 Greensburg, KS wreckage from a 2007 tornado PHOTO CREDIT: Laura Cohen |
 Kansas Farmers Union President Donn Teske PHOTO CREDIT: T.W. Li |
 Brittany Barden and her dad cheer Kansas Atty Gen. Phill Kline (R) PHOTO CREDIT: Dana Kupper |
 Filmmakers Joe Winston & Laura Cohen. PHOTO CREDIT: Jim Newberry |
 Kansas artist M. T. Liggett protests FEMA's rebuilding of Greensburg, KS / PHOTO CREDIT: Joe Winston |