The Belly of America (1996): Cast

Beyond the familiar skylines of New York, San Francisco and Hollywood, the United States is defined by its two‑hundred‑million residents of the heartland. Des Moines, Iowa—an emblem of deep America—acts as a bellwether in presidential elections and is linked to the suburban origins of icons such as John Wayne and Jean Seberg. Its reputation as an “obesity capital” underscores the city’s role in the nation’s broader social landscape.

• LM Luc Moullet