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Poster for "Poliwood"
courtesy of SHOWTIME
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“Poliwood” (SHOWTIME)
Filmmaker Barry Levinson has long been an observer of the political scene, after all he directed the politically charged “Wag the Dog.” Therefore it is no surprise he has a number of opinions about Hollywood, politics and the media. These viewpoints are all addressed in the his new documentary film “Poliwood” which airs on SHOWTIME this month.
Levinson follows and interviews members of the Creative Coalition, a non-partisan group created to benefit the Arts. Members include Annette Bening, Rachel Leigh Cook, Matthew Modine, Ellen Burstyn and Susan Sarandon. We observe these people on the road during the last Presidential campaign as they meet and greet people of all walks of life. They talk to both politicians and ordinary folk.
Levinson does not appear to have an agenda other than to point out how television has changed the face of politics. He bemoans the fact that Lincoln, Taft and other early Presidents might not have been photogenic enough for TV.
There are also segments that show the gulf between celebrities and ordinary people. Anne Hathaway speaks about her fears of people listening to her only because of her celebrity. She also regrets the times she didn’t answer an issues question with a simple “I am not informed on that” reply.
Overall the celebrities come out looking good and so do the everyday people. Both sides argue that communication is the answer and that polarization needs to stop. Levinson argues this point at every turn.
“Poliwood” is an enjoyable documentary if not a terribly informative one. You can make your own judgment after viewing it on SHOWTIME.
“Poliwood” airs Monday, November 2 at 7:30PM on SHOWTIME. |
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©2009 Jackie K. Cooper |
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