Next Tuesday, November 3rd, HBO premieres a movie called By the People: The Election of Barack Obama. Produced by noted actor Ed Norton, the film makers Amy Rice and Alicia Sams started filming the documentary in 2007 a full year before Barack Obama announced his candidacy for President. The filmmakers were inspired by his oratory skills and charismatic nature witnessed by the nation when he first came on the national scene during the 2004 Democratic Convention. It didn’t start out about the making of a President, but just a charismatic Freshman Senator from Illinois. These filmmakers had unprecedented access to Obama and his family over a two year period – filming the triumphs, the disappointments, challenges and controversies.
What is also fascinating is the inside look at his campaign team, and the way they were able to galvanize the support of millions and turn supporters into new political activists. Ed Norton states: “I think people will look back on this campaign as one that was conducted with a real understanding of communication and organizing tools that were singular to that moment. It was an historic new read on how you could do an end run around conventional political methodology and strategies.”
From what I’ve read and heard, it looks like a very compelling viewing opportunity. There’s just one problem: I don’t have HBO. Maybe it’s time to give in. I know that would make the kids happy!
10-31-2009 09:18:14
We, too, do not have HBO and miss out on some really interesting programming. I just can’t justify the extra $ to pay for more channels when it’s hard to find the time to watch the few shows I care about – even when they’re TiVo’d.
10-31-2009 19:49:14
This looks like it’s right up my alley. No HBO here, but I can save it in my queue at Netflix. Thanks for the heads up.