The IndiePix Films February 2018 DVD release of the 2010 HBO documentary "The Nine Lives of Marion Barry" focuses on a perfect subject for a study of an Energizer bunny politician who miraculous keeps going despite having his hand caught in the cocaine jar; this also provides a perfect context for the history of Home Rule in Washington, D.C. The subject of an elected leader whom even hard time cannot undermine also reflects the story of Providence favorite son Buddy Cianci.
Filmmakers Toby Oppenheimer and Dana Flor follow the documentary model of introducing their subject in the recent past; in this case, it is during a 2008 city council election in which Barry supporters treat their candidate as if he is a rock star.
Florenheimer intersperses coverage of that campaign with discussion of the long history of political activity of Barry. This man comes on the DC scene in the '60s as a founder of Pride, Inc. that help young black men improve their futures. The Washington of that era is poor city with a 70-percent black population. Further, the federal government runs the city.
The Home Rule that the Watergate docudrama "All the President's Men" mentions becomes effective in the mid '70s. This provision for the city to govern itself opens the door for Barry to run a successful campaign for the newly formed city council.
What arguably is an "F Troop" incident in which Barry takes one for the team when he is at the wrong place at the right time arguably plays a large role in his soon winning his first of several terms as mayor. This leads to an underlying theme of the condition of the city coinciding with the condition of Barry.
"Lives" does not hold back in covering the dark side of Barry that involves womanizing, drug use, and living large on public money. Prominent talking head Barry ex-wife Effi Barry discusses the charm of the man-of-the-hour and the extent to which she stands by him.
Other talking heads include veteran black politician Jesse Jackson and legendary D.C. newsman Jim Vance.
This unbiased coverage that represents the documentary ideal includes the infamous 1990 FBI surveillance footage of a married Barry hitting the pipe in an intimate moment with a woman who is not his wife. His lust for her body seems equal to his desire for the crack. This scene includes the well-known "the bitch set me up" utterance by Barry as the feds are nabbing him.
The effectiveness of the charm offensives by Barry is no more apparent than in scenes from 2008 in which the 14 year-old godson of this career politician campaigns for him with almost a religious zeal; this young man heavily discounts the sordid life of his idol.
The lad further stars in a deleted scene that is the most cute one of the film. He is speaking with two peers and prompting them to have a back-up plan regarding the same unrealistic dreams for the future that most adolescents of every race and class possess. The kids ending the conversation by expressing a need to "bounce" is adorable.
Much of the depth of "Lives" relates to the Svengali effect that politicians, other public figures, and ordinary citizens can have on various populations; those of us who do not fall under the spell are amazed that the blessed one gets away with so much "stuff" but recognize that we simply do not see things in the same manner as the faithful. This includes wondering how the boob in the next office soars up the corporate ladder and/or keeps his or her job after breaking every rule in the literal book.
The DVD extras include other scenes in addition to the aforementioned footage of the boys in the 'hood, archival photos, and the trailer for "Lives."
People with questions or comments regarding "Lives" are encouraged either to email me or to connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.
No comments:
Post a Comment