The pummeling New Orleans took from Hurricane Katrina and the failure of its levees was followed by a brutal kick in groin from the Bush Administration and its incompetence in coping with the escalating tragedy. Today at Living in Cinema, our friend Craig Kennedy hits back with a double-punch of his own, featuring another of his fine reviews accompanied by an exclusive conversation with the directors of Trouble the Water. It’s a documentary worthy of awards consideration this season, unique in one aspect as it’s built around the contemporary phenomenon of personal do-it-yourself documentary filmmaking available to everybody — home video footage.
Intrigued by the footage the couple had captured but also recognizing that here was a human face to the Katrina disaster, the filmmakers convinced the couple to let them tell their story. Taking the Roberts’ harrowing brush with Mother Nature and combining it with the story of their ongoing struggle to carry on with life in the aftermath of the storm, a powerful personal portrait emerges. It’s an inspiring tale of the survival of two people for whom Katrina was just the latest in a long line of traumas, but it also raises serious questions about how an entire segment of society can be neglected in a nation that likes to call itself the most powerful on earth.
By having the patience and discipline to allow Kimberly and Scott’s story (and the stories of the people they meet along the way) dominate the film while only occasionally injecting their own point of view, Lessin and Deal allow the viewer to be drawn into the drama (instead of being turned off by strident politics). Minds are opened rather than closed and that’s where conversation and perhaps healing begins.
We’re drawn into another conversation at LiC today, as Craig Kennedy scores an interview with the flimmakers themselves. He speaks to the directors Carl Deal and Tia Lessin at length in the first of a multi-part series. Craig demonstrates some of the same patience and discipline in his own interview style, allowing the discussion to chart its own course. Its a tribute to the free-flowing tone he always achieves to see how his review of the film, the interview that follows, and the comments from LiC readers transition seamlessly in a open exchange of intelligent observations and shared concerns.
It’s an important film involving issues that every conscientious citizen should be considering in the weeks leading up to one of the most significant elections in the nation’s history. Coming at time when it’s hard to see past the media blitzkrieg swirling around manufactured cable news faux controversies, Trouble the Water is reminder of the quietly human consequences of noisy political bluster . It’s a subject that deserves our attention, and unlike the shrill talking-head talking points the media uses to simulate seriousness, this fresh look at the Katrina tragedy earns the thoughtful reflection it demands. For anyone truly interested in stories that matter, I can think of no better place to spend time today than reading Craig’s feature interview and participating in the discussion it sparks at Living in Cinema.
great article , thank’s
great article , thank’s
It’s unclassy to comment in a post that refers to you, but I just wanted to say you guys all rule.
It’s unclassy to comment in a post that refers to you, but I just wanted to say you guys all rule.
I totally concur with what my precious Pierre says above regarding Sasha, Ryan and my beloved Craig.
And thanks, Nicky. You’re my boy…..
Hurricane Katrina was the worst covered event that I can ever remember. Unfortunately the nation is still lives with the narrative the press handed us.
The idea that the Executive Branch had anything to do with the catastrophe flies in the faces of 30 years of poor city planning, bad local leadership, and hurricane preparedness. It’s a forgotten that five hurricanes hit Florida that same year.
For decades New Orleans was a disaster waiting to happen. I don’t see how the 2008 Presidential election is going to change the fact that the Louisiana government failed to prepare New Orleans for a near certain event.
I totally concur with what my precious Pierre says above regarding Sasha, Ryan and my beloved Craig.
And thanks, Nicky. You’re my boy…..
Hurricane Katrina was the worst covered event that I can ever remember. Unfortunately the nation is still lives with the narrative the press handed us.
The idea that the Executive Branch had anything to do with the catastrophe flies in the faces of 30 years of poor city planning, bad local leadership, and hurricane preparedness. It’s a forgotten that five hurricanes hit Florida that same year.
For decades New Orleans was a disaster waiting to happen. I don’t see how the 2008 Presidential election is going to change the fact that the Louisiana government failed to prepare New Orleans for a near certain event.
Sasha, Ryan and Craig Kennedy are three of the best film commentators we have. People should get college credit for visiting these sites.
Sasha, Ryan and Craig Kennedy are three of the best film commentators we have. People should get college credit for visiting these sites.
“should be spanked and sent to bed with no din din.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself Miranda 🙂
“should be spanked and sent to bed with no din din.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself Miranda 🙂
Anyone that salutes my precious friend Craig Kennedy has my full and wholehearted approval.
He’s not only a talented writer (with the courage of his convictions) but he’s also a wonderful guy.
Anyone that doesn’t check this out at LiC should be spanked and sent to bed with no din din.
I third Sam’s enthusiasm, Craig has done us all proud!
Can’t wait to see the doc, I must admit that I am looking forward to it a lot.
Anyone that salutes my precious friend Craig Kennedy has my full and wholehearted approval.
He’s not only a talented writer (with the courage of his convictions) but he’s also a wonderful guy.
Anyone that doesn’t check this out at LiC should be spanked and sent to bed with no din din.
I third Sam’s enthusiasm, Craig has done us all proud!
Can’t wait to see the doc, I must admit that I am looking forward to it a lot.
I can only second Sam’s enthusiasm, seeing Ryan point to the wonderful work Craig has done at LiC with regards to this film.
I can only second Sam’s enthusiasm, seeing Ryan point to the wonderful work Craig has done at LiC with regards to this film.
I will be seeing this myself tonite in Manhattan, and hope to add further to the discussion over the weekend.
Ryan, I applaud your wonderful testimonial to Craig Kennedy’s superb interview and stellar review of this most important and critically-praised documentary. And I agree that it’s an issue that should indeed affect the decision-making for the November election.
This is a worthwhile and excellent post for so many reasons, and the discussion over at LIC has been most stimulating!!!
I will be seeing this myself tonite in Manhattan, and hope to add further to the discussion over the weekend.
Ryan, I applaud your wonderful testimonial to Craig Kennedy’s superb interview and stellar review of this most important and critically-praised documentary. And I agree that it’s an issue that should indeed affect the decision-making for the November election.
This is a worthwhile and excellent post for so many reasons, and the discussion over at LIC has been most stimulating!!!