Review of Weiner (2016) by Eric M — 03 Jun 2016

What was most fascinating about this film?-?and to me proof that this documentary is not a strategic move of Weiner's to jump start his political career?-?is the portrayal of Weiner as a flawed person who does not know when to stop. We all know he is a scrappy fighter?-?and at one time a golden boy of the Left?-?but after he fell from grace, we see him continue to throw water onto a grease fire again and again until he goes from the frontrunner to the barely receiving five percent of the electoral vote.

If there is one aspect that does spin Weiner in a favorable light, it is that the viewer comes to realize that Weiner truly cares about the issues on his platform. Less than two weeks until the elections, another titillating revelation into Weiner's personal life is revealed. His senior advisor tells him the campaign is over and there is nothing to do. However, Weiner does not cancel his speaking engagements and go into hiding. Instead, he goes to City Island where he is booed, but miraculously, he gets the crowd to completely change their attitude and applaud him after they realize he is fighting for the issues he believes matter to New Yorkers.

All in all, this is one of the best documentaries I have seen in the past two years and definitely the top one I have seen all year. I have a qualm with Weiner not opening up completely in this film, but despite this, the viewer does get some insight into the thought process and emotions of this person who has been ridiculed and reduced to a caricature. I highly recommend this film and give it a 9.5 out of 10 stars.