Thursday, September 23, 2004

Going Upriver

Last night I watched Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry, by filmmaker George Butler. It really is quite an astounding movie for a lot of reasons, and if it hits a city near you (beginning October 1), I'd say drag your friends to it.

The sheer amount of film footage they have of Kerry, from his childhood, in Vietnam, and in his days in the anti-war movement, is one thing which makes the film well worth seeing. Nothing in the film is a recreation (though, of course, not all of the footage of Vietnam was taken during the actual events being described). It also includes interviews with his fellow soldiers, and people like Max Cleland and E.J. Dionne.

It's a fascinating portrait of a young man, and provides important historical context of the times which is missing from all of the discussion.

Anyway, make sure to go see it when it comes to town.

You can read more here. And here. And here.



....oh, and here's the official site. And here's the theater list. Make sure to go when it opens to encourage further distribution.