Weiner (2016) | agoodmovietowatch

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Weiner 7.5 2016 Movie

Weiner

Dir. Elyse Steinberg & Josh Kriegman · United States of America · English

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

Our take by Renee Cuisia

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.  

What happens

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.

What the critics said

Notable Critics

"His vanity and his political flair, his authentic talent and his weakness of character come off as inseparable."

— Richard Brody

"The sheer unlikeliness of a politician sharing a name with a slang term for the organ of his undoing reflects the sheer unlikeliness of almost every twist and turn in this fly-on-the-wall thrill ride."

— Sophie Monks Kaufman

Awards

BAFTA

1 nom

Nominated: Best Documentary

DGA

1 nom

Nominated: Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary

Sundance

1 win

Won: Documentary (Grand Jury Prize)

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About the author

Renee Cuisia

Renee Cuisia

Renee Cuisia is the lead curator at A Good Movie to Watch. In her spare time, she likes to watch K-dramas and analyze them to death. She's also seen You've Got Mail one too many times but is still convinced it's one of the greatest films out there.