Joe Angio
2005
By all means this should not be a good documentary, yet it manages to be terribly appealing in spite of its poor quality as a film. Its a perfect example of why the digital democratization of cinema is a mixed blessing at best. Now the festival market is awash with a slew of documentaries bereft of talented, thoughtful filmmaking, but saved by brilliant subject matter. This is such a film.
The long titled portrait of human/dynamo Melvin Van Peebles, is inspiring and a joy to watch....the archival footage that is. Thankfully this excellent (though already canonized) hero of black cinema is complemented with the right photographs, film clips, and historical material needed to make it a presentable representation of a phenomenal career. Problems arise when Mr. Angio attempts to make his own film, shooting sloppy, consumer-quality DV that's a hair away from degrading his subject. Simply put, it is a chore to view.
Thankfully there's a wealth of great moments that embody Van Peebles' own irrepressible spirit (and save the picture). From the story about watermelon air-spray to the recurring references to Melvin's epic sexual exploits (made all the sweeter by 3 different Van Peebles children being interviewed), we are given enough of his unique personality and romantic life to be enrapt throughout the running time. It could be argued that the crummy aesthetic complements Van Peebles' own do-or-die mentality, but I think that's a severe cop-out. Personally I'd like to know what Mr. Van Peebles' has to say about the finished product.
Review by Brett A. Scieszka
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