>>REVIEW
TRUDELL
DIRECTED BY Heather Rae
Playing Wednesday December 7
The Uptown Screen
One would expect a film about a man who has one of the largest FBI dossiers in history (more than 17,000 pages) to be a gripping exposé of a political radical, hell bent on overthrowing the American government by all means necessary. But with Trudell, nothing could be farther from the truth – except the fact that it is indeed gripping. This highly personal look into the life of Native activist and poet John Trudell will most certainly capture the viewer with its intriguing material as well as its imaginative visuals.
With over a decade spent working with and documenting John Trudell’s life, director Heather Rae shows her intimate knowledge of the material and the man by creating a film that is as unique and riveting as its subject. Using Super 8 film, video and archival footage, the film never lets up in its ever-changing cinematic styles; heightening the audience’s anticipation of what they will see next. And in contrast to the concrete scenes of newsreels, concerts and speaking appearances, there are deeper, more personal and spiritual images, adding to the feeling that this isn’t only a film about the man, it is also what the man is about.
Those already familiar with John Trudell will relish the telling of his life story, while newcomers will be taken by the hand and shown why he is regarded as one of the most important forces in Native activism and arts today. Through his own eyes and those of the people who have come to know him, the audience learns about the early days of his life, his involvement in the Native movement and how personal triumphs and tragedies have shaped how he uses his life today.
His world views and politics are uniquely portrayed through his narration and on-screen interviews, as well as excerpts from his musical achievements. His mix of traditional tribal voices, tribal music and spoken word serves as both foundation for the film’s rich musical backdrop and a means to evoke an emotional connection with his messages.
So while being efficient and factual in the sharing of Trudell’s life, it is the ability of the filmmakers to subtly yet effectively make that important emotional connection between artist and audience that gives Trudell its true power as a film. |
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