Jared Leto, most famous for his acting and work with his band Thirty Seconds to Mars, has again turned his hand to directing, once again with stunning results. Many would remember his 2012 documentary “Artifact,” (directed under the pseudonym Bartholomew Cubbins) which so cleverly captured the state of the modern music industry. The film was adored by critics and fans alike, earning a standing ovation and People’s Choice Award for Best Documentary.

For his second directorial offering, “A Day in the Life of America,” Leto sent 92 film crews to all US states to capture footage of Americans from hugely varied walks of life. The filming took place over a single day, 4 July 2017. Initially screened at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2019, it has now been released on PBS for all the world to see.

Critics were wowed following its initial limited screening, and fans have been eagerly hoping for a glimpse of Leto’s masterpiece. Early reviews from fans on social media are entirely positive, praising Leto for his directorial skills, for managing to include such a vast array of people so beautifully, and for releasing the film during such an apt time.

Rather than only choosing happy footage, Leto gives us everything. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the downright terrifying. The way he blends from one scene to the next is poetry in motion, telling the people’s stories, and reminding us constantly that America is a nation consisting of opposing views. But the combination of all these scenes in one film, gives the feeling that there is hope of unity, peace, and healing. 

The soundtrack by Thirty Seconds to Mars further fuels the glorious emotive themes throughout the documentary, masterfully underpinning what we see, and matching perfectly with what we feel. And make no mistake, you will have extraordinarily strong feelings watching “A Day in the Life of America.”

Leto could not have chosen a better time to release this incredible film. With the US in the grip of immense tension, this documentary feels like a positive push toward getting people thinking outside of themselves. To consider the views and values of others. And to remember that no matter their beliefs, they are all united under the same flag. 

Author: Harley Houghton

Harley Houghton is a writer and blogger, based in Melbourne, Australia. Her passions include music, especially metal, gaming and comics. Check out her blog www.harleysmadhouse.com and follow her on Twitter.