Seeing this film screened before a hip, youthful audience was a real treat. The occasion was the 29th Cleveland International Film Festival, and a joy it was to revel in the audience's pleasure.
Bart Everly's direction was on-target, but it was Film Editor David Dawkins that's to be lauded for his sharp, no-nonsense work. Here's a documentary that really moves, catching a breathtaking amount of footage on Congressman Barney Frank (D. Mass.) as he pursues the '98 Clinton impeachment proceedings.
What emerges is an uncommonly lively, fun filled series of shots of Frank and other members of bipartisan committee members debating, discussing, wrangling what amounts to a "wrestling match," as Frank calls it. Lots of kicks, punches and throws, but not a lot of meaningful results.
Here's a chance to see your vote and tax dollars at work. Here are your reps in action. And if it's not exactly what you had in mind as you cast your ballot, well, vote for somebody else next time.
The Festival audience lapped up every word, often bursting into loud belly laughs, sometimes applauding--no passive viewers here. And Yours Truly was right in there, chuckling and howling. When have I seen a documentary that held the audience in such rapt attention?
"Let's Get Frank" is worth going out of your way to find, though its showings may be limited. Anyway--good luck.
Bart Everly's direction was on-target, but it was Film Editor David Dawkins that's to be lauded for his sharp, no-nonsense work. Here's a documentary that really moves, catching a breathtaking amount of footage on Congressman Barney Frank (D. Mass.) as he pursues the '98 Clinton impeachment proceedings.
What emerges is an uncommonly lively, fun filled series of shots of Frank and other members of bipartisan committee members debating, discussing, wrangling what amounts to a "wrestling match," as Frank calls it. Lots of kicks, punches and throws, but not a lot of meaningful results.
Here's a chance to see your vote and tax dollars at work. Here are your reps in action. And if it's not exactly what you had in mind as you cast your ballot, well, vote for somebody else next time.
The Festival audience lapped up every word, often bursting into loud belly laughs, sometimes applauding--no passive viewers here. And Yours Truly was right in there, chuckling and howling. When have I seen a documentary that held the audience in such rapt attention?
"Let's Get Frank" is worth going out of your way to find, though its showings may be limited. Anyway--good luck.
