DVD Review: Hot Type: 150 Years Of The Nation

The Nation is the country’s oldest published weekly magazine, having been founded in 1865. The film Hot Type: 150 Years Of The Nation documents the current state of the publication, with an eye both on its past and its future. The film takes us inside the magazine’s offices, as well as to the locations of current stories the reporters are tackling, focusing on the folks who keep the magazine running and their reasons for doing so, particularly in regards to the new media landscape.

There is some interesting information on the editors and writers, especially the relation between the current editor and publisher, Katrina vanden Heuvel, and the previous editor, Victor Navasky, who still holds a position in the magazine. Several editors and writers are interviewed, and these are not strictly straight, traditional interviews, but rather glimpses of them at work talking about what it is they are doing. A common thread is their passion not only for journalism, but for The Nation specifically. Katrina says, “We believe success means treating journalism as a public good, holding the powerful accountable and making sure that light is shed on those who are committing abuse wherever, and that is our mission.” It is a mission that everyone involved in the publication seems to take quite seriously.

The film takes us into the field as reporters pursue several stories. Contributing writer Sasha Abramsky pursues a story in Texas about troubled farms and climate change. He says, “The common theme here is big issues hitting ordinary people.” What I also like about the way this documentary approaches these current stories is that it relates them to stories from earlier issues of the magazine, in this case from a 1935 issue. This doesn’t just illustrate the importance of the magazine, but the continuing importance of these issues to us as a people.

Some history of the magazine is provided, such as that it emerged from the Civil War, and that it was during the 1930s that it really took off. Portions of old articles are presented in voice over by folks like Sam Waterston. And the list of famous, respected authors that have written for The Nation is astounding. Folks like Kurt Vonnegut, Upton Sinclair, Arthur Miller, D.H. Lawrence, Theodore Dreiser and Alice Walker all contributed to the magazine. Another area that I found intriguing is the magazine’s internship program. It’s striking just how many of the publication’s editors began as interns. And we’re introduced to those hoping to become interns, and then those who are chosen.

Though this documentary celebrates the history of the magazine, it’s really not as much a look back as a look at the present with an eye on the future.

Special Features

The DVD contains three bonus scenes. The first is of Katrina and her father talking about the perception of The Nation. In the second, advertising and marketing designer George Lois creates a campaign for celebrating the 150th anniversary of the magazine. The third is of graphic designer Milton Glaser designing a cover for the magazine.

Hot Type: 150 Years Of The Nation was directed by Barbara Kopple, and was released on DVD on October 4, 2016 through First Run Features.