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Weiner (2016)Weiner (2016)

Weiner (2016)

A riveting portrait of a fallen man’s attempts at gaining forgiveness and political re-entry

Documentary, Drama

7.5

movie

United States of America
English
Discussion-sparking, Mind-blowing, Thought-provoking
2016
Elyse Steinberg, Josh Kriegman
Bill de Blasio, Donald Trump, Howard Stern
96 min

Synopsis

rotten tomatoes
imdb
wikipedia
Documentary featuring a jaw-dropping, behind-the-scenes look at the attempted comeback of Anthony Weiner in 2013 as he mounts a campaign for New York City mayor in the wake of his sexting scandal. Featuring unfettered access to the candidate and his campaign.

Our Take

7.5
The Staff

Former Congressman Anthony Weiner just doesn’t give up. After a 2011 scandal that had him resign from office, Weiner tries to make a comeback in this documentary that follows his 2013 mayoral campaign. His passion for public service is indisputable, and despite his shortcomings, it’s hard not to root for his go-getter attempts at a second chance. To this end, he wins and fails, with each outcome feeling more dramatic and consequential than the last. Things culminate upon the revelation of a fresh, new scandal, which disrupts his unlikely rise as a top candidate as well as the film’s production flow, which then takes a turn for the better (or worse, depending on your sympathies for Weiner). 

Fast paced and brilliantly stitched, Weiner is a compelling account of a man who won’t back down, and of the people surrounding him who suffer from his obstinacy. The documentary is proof that even in our hypercritical age, it’s still possible to both humanize and criticize a “canceled” subject, all while maintaining level-headed humor and allure.  

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