I've been on a documentary kick lately. I watch about one a week, and they make for nice background as I'm folding and putting away the week's laundry. Usually it's more about listening than anything else; just a nice bit of brain food as I get through one of my least favorite chores. I select them based on topics I'd like to learn more about: diet, health, that one on nuclear power plants was a doozy. Informational stuff. Go ahead. You can say it. "Nerd!" That's right, and proud of it. However, last week I stumbled upon a flick outside of my comfort zone. A biography, but not about anyone well know. I often steer clear of such titles because they run a high risk of manufactured drama. But this one had great reviews, so I gave it a shot ... and it knocked me on my butt-- literally and figuratively. I can't recall ever being so emotionally gutted by a film.
I want to preface this review with the disclaimer that I don't believe this film is for everyone. I wouldn't recommend it to people who are feeling emotionally vulnerable, particularly if they are struggling with grief over the loss of a loved one.
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father caught my eye because of its unique cover. Dark, shadings of gray, a tree with a deep root system and lush foliage, but the trunk is completely severed. So much meaning there, especially in retrospect. Then I mosied on over to the reviews, and decided it was worth a look-see. From there, my laundry pile sat forgotten as I watched, captivated, horrified, and deeply moved for the next hour and a half. I can't provide you with a summary. The narrative is unique, and it would take something away from the flow and the viewer's sense of discovery to reveal more than the basic tagline: A filmmaker honors his murdered best friend by creating a film that documents his friend's life, death, and the the events that unravel after. If you dare, if you feel strong enough, give this one a watch.
I want to preface this review with the disclaimer that I don't believe this film is for everyone. I wouldn't recommend it to people who are feeling emotionally vulnerable, particularly if they are struggling with grief over the loss of a loved one.
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father caught my eye because of its unique cover. Dark, shadings of gray, a tree with a deep root system and lush foliage, but the trunk is completely severed. So much meaning there, especially in retrospect. Then I mosied on over to the reviews, and decided it was worth a look-see. From there, my laundry pile sat forgotten as I watched, captivated, horrified, and deeply moved for the next hour and a half. I can't provide you with a summary. The narrative is unique, and it would take something away from the flow and the viewer's sense of discovery to reveal more than the basic tagline: A filmmaker honors his murdered best friend by creating a film that documents his friend's life, death, and the the events that unravel after. If you dare, if you feel strong enough, give this one a watch.
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