An Ocean Apart
DOCUMTENARIES | Adam Curtis | 1988
An Ocean Apart is a British documentary series, produced and directed by Adam Curtis, first broadcast in 1988.
The series meticulously chronicles the intricate and evolving Anglo-American relationship, detailing how the United States of America ultimately supplanted Britain as the dominant global power and how British society underwent a process of Americanisation.
Though it predates much of Adam Curtis's more stylistically distinct "canonical films," it offers a foundational exploration of central themes that would recur throughout his later work.
Production and Stylistic Elements
The series notably features David Dimbleby as its primary narrator and co-writer, with David Reynolds also contributing as a writer. Dimbleby’s involvement, as a highly respected figure from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), brought a significant air of authority to the production.
In contrast to the montage-driven, voice-over heavy style that became Curtis's hallmark, An Ocean Apart adopts a more conventional documentary format. A distinguishing feature is the extensive use of "talking heads"—interviews with World War I veterans and other figures, many in their seventies and eighties at the time of filming, providing direct, "firsthand accounts" of historical events.
This approach is seen as a departure from Curtis's later works, which largely eschew interviews in favour of a more analytical and narratively constructed presentation. However, An Ocean Apart contains early instances of contrapuntal sound, a technique later refined by Curtis, where music is intentionally juxtaposed with visuals to create an ironic or unsettling effect.
The series was supported by British Airways, a sponsorship that humorously underscored the theme of transatlantic relations as the airline promoted travel to America.
Historical Narrative and Thematic Exploration
An Ocean Apart charts the shifting balance of power between Britain and America, characterising them as "two quite different countries" whose destinies became increasingly intertwined.
The narrative spans from the early 20th century, specifically addressing Anglo-American relations during World War I, and extends to the Thatcher-Reagan Years in its seventh episode, concluding the portrayal of the UK-US relationship.
The series highlights the complex reasons behind America's initial reluctance to enter World War I. A significant factor was the presence of large German and Irish populations within the United States, both groups holding historical grievances or hostility towards the English, which fostered a disinclination to support Britain in the conflict. T
he series focuses on the geopolitical "realpolitik" that guided both nations' interests, particularly during World War II. Notably, its coverage of World War II focuses "purely on the realpolitik of Britain and America and its respective interests. This deliberate focus on strategic and political shifts analyses how the relationship between Britain and America changes.
Americanisation of Britain
The series demonstrates how the American corporate model, coupled with innovative advertising methods, began to infiltrate and ultimately dominate British industry and culture. This process began prior to World War II and intensified significantly during and after the conflict.
The influence of figures like Edward Bernays, Sigmund Freud's nephew, who applied Freudian principles to public relations to manage mass desires and create an emotional connect to a product or service, is implicitly a part of this transformation.
American advertising techniques are shown to have swept through Britain easily, leading to a perception that everything American became cool. The documentary explicitly references America Conquers Britain by El Denny as a source detailing the rapid acquisition of British industries by American firms.
The post-World War II era saw American cultural products, such as rock and roll replacing classical music on European radio waves, contribute to a deep-seated Americanisation of the European psyche, including hopes and desires.
Critical Standing and Legacy
Within the broader spectrum of Adam Curtis's filmography, An Ocean Apart is one of his "less unknown documentaries", however, it's a revelation, especially upon re-evaluation.
The series is significant for laying the groundwork for Curtis's enduring thematic preoccupations, ELITE THEORY, the mechanics of power, and the profound societal impacts of mass psychology and constructed narratives. Its early exploration of these concepts establishes its importance in understanding the evolution of Curtis's unique documentary style and intellectual concerns.