"An Unreasonable Man" *** (out of ****)Since a political election is coming up I thought it would be interesting to review a movie or documentary involving politics (see I try to keep this blog topical).
I don't know of any documentary made about Barack Obama, and if did I honestly wouldn't want to watch it. The same goes for John McCain. But I remember hearing about "An Unreasonable Man" last year. Only now did I rent it.
First I suppose I should offer something of a disclosure. Ralph Nader is one of my political heroes. I believe in all the causes he has fought for in his long career as a consumer advocate. I feel he belongs in a class with my other heroes such as Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson (I admire Johnson's "Great Society" programs, not so much his decision to get involved in Vietnam).
Having confessed all that, it would seem like "An Unreasonable Man" would simply be preaching to the choir in my case. However, don't jump ahead of yourself. This is not a love letter to Ralph Nader. As is usually the case with Nader he allows other, dissenting voices to be heard. He doesn't shy away from a challenge. Of course, in fairness, who knows if that was really his decision or the filmmakers; Henriette Mantel and Steve Skrovan.
"An Unreasonable Man" has a little something for everyone. If you admire the work Nader has done, he is responsible for public auto safety. Does your car have a seat belt? Airbags? Repeat after me; "thank you Ralph Nader." Ever hear of the "clean air act"? The "clean water act"? Or the "freedom of information act"? Those are some of Mr. Nader's accomplishments. If you don't like Mr. Nader, don't fret. Much attention is paid to his involvement in the 2000 election. Probably what Mr. Nader is known for most by younger generations and hateful Liberals.
For some reason this surprised me. "An Unreasonable Man" is right down the middle. The documentary doesn't exist in its own world. It realizes some people don't like Mr. Nader and their voices, which unquestionably reflect great numbers, are heard.
Strangely though that my lead to "An Unreasonable Man"'s downfall. So much time is given to the haters it takes away from more time being spent discussing Nader's personal life.
If you know a lot about Mr. Nader, much of what is presented here will be known to you. The first half of the documentary tells us about Nader's fight with the auto industry and his book, "Unsafe at any Speed". And how GM tried to smear him in an attempt to get him to back off auto safety.
Much of that is interesting. I personally wasn't aware of the blackmail attempts. But what I wish was discussed further was Nader's childhood. This is briefly touched. Nader talks about how his father came over to America and the discussions they would have at the breakfast table. Politics was always the focal point. His father would present him and his sisters with "problems", like thinking up a way to enhance parking on busy streets, and to be ready at dinner time with a solution. Stuff like that is interesting. It reveals how Nader became who he is. More of that was needed.
This was the first film for both of the directors. Steve Skrovan is actually a comedy writer. He has written some episodes of "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "Seinfeld", while Henriette Mantel, who use to work for Nader, was a stand-up comic. They are an unlikely pair to make a documentary on Nader. But they do an admirable job.
In the end "An Unreasonable Man" presents Nader as a maverick (now where have I heard that word before?). A crusader who has always fought for the little guy. He has been guided not by greed but by his own moral compass. He does what he feels is right. Others contend his ego drives him but did not everyone benefit from seat belts?
For those unaware Mr. Nader is running again for President on the Independent ticket. This documentary shows how capable of a leader he could be (hint, hint). Hopefully in time Mr. Nader will be fully appreciated for all the work he has done for this country. It is debatable, but you could say he has done more for this country than some presidents. That should not be forgotten.
Posts
