Grass Roots: Rural Communes in the U.S.A. 1975
Step into the experimental spirit of 1970s America with *Grass Roots: Rural Communes in the U.S.A.* (1975), a thought-provoking documentary directed by Thomas Wahlberg that peels back the curtain on alternative living.
Director: Thomas Wahlberg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grass Roots: Rural Communes in the U.S.A. (1975) about?
This documentary examines four American communes in the 1970s, each experimenting with alternative lifestyles rooted in behaviorism, anarchism, or spirituality. The film dissects their economic models, social structures, and the personal dynamics of communal living.
Who directed Grass Roots: Rural Communes in the U.S.A.?
The film was directed by Thomas Wahlberg, a filmmaker whose work often delves into social and cultural experiments of the era.
Who stars in Grass Roots: Rural Communes in the U.S.A.?
Director Thomas Wahlberg is the central figure, with the film featuring residents and founders of the featured communes as key contributors.
Is Grass Roots: Rural Communes in the U.S.A. (1975) worth watching?
As a historical and cultural document, *Grass Roots* offers a compelling glimpse into alternative living. While it may lack mainstream appeal, its themes of freedom, community, and reinvention remain relevant to fans of documentary filmmaking and sociocultural studies.
How long is Grass Roots: Rural Communes in the U.S.A.?
The runtime is approximately 56 minutes, making it a concise but dense exploration of its subject.
About Grass Roots: Rural Communes in the U.S.A. (1975) — Exploring the 1970s communal living experiment
Step into the experimental spirit of 1970s America with *Grass Roots: Rural Communes in the U.S.A.* (1975), a thought-provoking documentary directed by Thomas Wahlberg that peels back the curtain on alternative living. This 56-minute journey visits four distinct communities across Virginia, Maryland, and California—from the behaviorist-inspired Twin Oaks to the anarchist enclaves and spiritual networks—exploring how these groups reimagined economics, labor, gender roles, and child-rearing.
Through intimate interviews and observational footage, the film captures the raw idealism and practical challenges of communal life, questioning whether collective living can truly break free from society's constraints. With a focus on Skinner's behavioral theories and the balance between individuality and communal harmony, *Grass Roots* offers a fascinating snapshot of an era defined by rebellion and self-discovery.