Review of Bright Leaves (2004) by Kyle G — 09 Dec 2015
This was the least-focused documentary I've ever seen. The interviewees collaborated with McElwee's main theory of a story consciously drawing from his family's history as a square block collaborates with a triangular hole. He had little to nothing to run on with his postulation and substituted shamelessly unrelated, mawkish family scenes for material relevant to his subject.
The most critical interviews are too short, overlong, or directly oppose his ideas.
Early on in the film I got to thinking, does McElwee cast a negative light on tobacco just because his family lost out on a fortune, and he's pouty about the competitor who defeated his grandfather? My opinion is yes.
This review of Bright Leaves (2004) was written by Kyle G on 09 Dec 2015.
Bright Leaves has generally received positive reviews.
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