Review of Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story (2008) by Sean C — 20 Jul 2010

Incisive documentary on one of the most influential political figures who symbolized the the shift in the Republican Party towards extreme partisan politics. It works because the players are allowed to speak for themselves, with Republicans looking like assholes and Democrats looking weak.

This was true of the parties at this stage and only adds to the documentary's creditability. His death says a lot about both parties, as Democrats mostly see him finding redemption while Republicans claim he was always the same Lee.

This part alone is a subject worthy of a book. The only problem I ad was with the unfocused beginning and ending. The film is a testament to the dangers of unchecked cynicism.