39) Dear Zachary: A Letter To A Son About His FatherDirector: Kurt KuenneYear: 2008Plot Summary: Andrew Bagby was murdered by Shirley Turner after he ended their tumultuous relationship. Shortly after she was arrested, she announced she was pregnant with Bagby's child. This documentary is a cinematic scrapbook for the child, Zachary, about who his father was and how the man had such an effect on so many lives.
You'll have to forgive any spelling errors in this post because, at this moment in time, I have just finished watching Dear Zachary and the documentary has left me trembling, in floods of tears and completely split in two. I can't think of another film I have ever sat through that has been as traumatic and harrowing as this one.
What begins as a personal story about a man looking back on the death of his friend suddenly becomes the single most heartbreaking, chilling and emotional story about loss that, for my money, has ever been committed to screen.
But, while it's difficult to watch and it's not a story that many people will be able to handle, it is also one that is very important and needed to be made. I believe that people need to know about what Andrew's parents did and the extent they went to in order to fight against a broken system. I also believe people need to be aware of the events that happened so that a mistake like this is never repeated. Moreover, I think everyone who reads this should watch Dear Zachary in honour of the brave Kurt Kuenne who refused to give up on this documentary despite the traumatic events that revealed themselves over the course of his film making.
I've purposely decided to leave these major plot points out of this review as I'm sure that Kuenne intended for them to be kept secret. It's a wise creative choice because, by keeping the events secret, what happens is so unexpected and shocking that it really hammers home the horror of it. I was unaware of these things myself when I put on the documentary tonight and when they happened they left me in a frozen state of disbelief.
One of the most difficult films I've had to watch but also one of the most stunning I've seen in a long time. Just... Wow.
5/5
4 comments:
I love you, dude.
It transcends all reason to make a film, let alone it's entirely in DV. I've seen it about 5 times now, and it still makes me cry. I'd happily watch it tomorrow. It gives me faith, in humanity, in my ambitions, in everything. Easily, easily, easily, easily top 20 of all-time. I hope you consider it too.
I actually owe you a massive thank you for this. It's been sat on my LoveFilm rental list for weeks after I saw it on your favourite films list. And it finally came through the post the other day. :)
(Which reminds me, where the hell did you find Los Olivados? I'm dying to see that movie and I can't find it anywhere!!)
I'm not sure where I'd consider it at the moment. It's certainly in my ten favourite documentaries of all time though. I don't think I've ever seen a film as brave and important as this one. And even though it was heartbreakingly sad, Kate and David, like you said, are such inspirational people.
When Kurt writes "Dear Kate and David" at the end, I can't help myself.
I downloaded Los Olvidados since it's otherwise impossible to find. I'd kill for a copy of the DVD. It made my top 20 of all-time the first viewing, I really oughta redownload and rewatch.
Do not, I repeat do not watch this film unless you are ready to spend quite some time numb from all the rage, and sadness this film will make you experience.
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