POV: Taking On the Kennedys
by Joshua Seftel
List Price:
Our Price: $12.82
You Save: $14.09 (52%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $5.90 (click here)
Category: DVD
See more DVD releases
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
DVD Cover Information
Actor: Caroline Kennedy, John Kennedy Jr., Patrick Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Tom KempDirector: Joshua Seftel
Brand: New Video
Cinematographer: Joshua Seftel
Editor: Joshua Seftel
Producer: Joshua Seftel
Writer: Joshua Seftel
Producer: Anne Churchman
Producer: Dan Melish
Producer: Kathy Venzke
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 52 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-01-25
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: New Video Group
Product features:
- When Kevin Vigilante took on Patrick Kennedy, he intended to run a clean race. He was about to get the political education of a lifetime. P.O.V. presents Taking On The Kennedys, an acerbic, witty, and revealing look at the dark underbelly of contemporary political. An idealistic Rhode Island doctor and political novice, Vigilante went up against Patrick Kennedy, heir to one of the country s most p
Movie Reviews of POV: Taking On the Kennedys
Movie Review: Fascinating documentary
Summary: 5 Stars
There's a remarkable moment in "Taking on the Kennedys" in which Kevin Vigilante, who's running in 1996 for Congress in Rhode Island against none other than Patrick Kennedy -- yes, one of THOSE Kennedys -- realizes how tough a skin you need in politics. Vigilante first has to beat an opponent in a Republican primary in order to face off against Kennedy, and he's just finished a televised debate with the woman. When he exits the TV station, he remarks in amazement to an aide, "She really HATES me."
It's as if he's finally grasped the fact that pure, unadulterated vitriol can be felt by another human being against you simply because you're running in an election. Perhaps that's the saddest -- and most deeply penetrating -- moment in this brisk little documentary. We have developed a political culture in which campaigns are nasty battles. Negative campaigning is not only expected, it's a test to see if you have the mettle to withstand the tough world of politics. As Vigilante discovers when he squares off in the general election against Kennedy, it isn't enough to run on the "issues." Personality, fund-raising and the ability to play nasty -- not to mention, in his case, the all-consuming question of name recognition -- are all part of the equation.
I was most impressed by how filmmaker Joshua Seftel gained a close and confident access to Vigilante during the campaign. His camera is there at the public events -- when both candidates are hustling for senior-citizen votes at a picnic -- but it's also there for some very private, relevatory moments as Vigilante gets fully immersed in the rough-and-tumble world of politics. If you think running for office is hard, try it when your opponent is waltzing around with one of the most famous political names in the world. It doesn't matter that Patrick Kennedy -- who is amiable but not exactly the brightest bulb in the glittering Kennedy clan -- is a mediocre candidate at best. He's got the name, and he's also got the money to run a blistering campaign. How Vigilante responds to that negativity is a fascinating examination of human nature. And yet one more reason to hit the mute button every time an attack ad is aired on TV.
Summary of POV: Taking On the Kennedys
When Kevin Vigilante took on Patrick Kennedy, he intended to run a clean race. He was about to get the political education of a lifetime. P.O.V. presents TAKING ON THE KENNEDYS, an acerbic, witty, and revealing look at the dark underbelly of contemporary politicals. An idealistic Rhode Island doctor and political novice, Vigilante went up against Patrick Kennedy, heir to one of the country?s most powerful political families, for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, he found himself front and center in a modern-day David vs. Goliath battle of distorted television imagery and sound-byte rhetoric. Desperate to revive his dying campaign, Vigilante finally abandoned his ideals and slung mud back at Kennedy--with surprising results. With unrestricted access to the candidates as they plot strategies, vie for media attention, debate, and nearly come to blows on the sidewalk, award-winning filmmaker Joshua Seftel exposes the hard-hitting reality of political campaigns and powerful dynasties, featuring appearances by Caroline Kennedy, Senator Edward Kennedy, John F. Kennedy Jr., and other powerhouse political figures. DVD Features: Filmmaker Commentary; Short Film: The Real Russell; The Making of Taking on the Kennedys: An Interview with Pat and Lee Seftel; Original Television Campaign Commercials; Filmmaker Interview; Trailer; Filmmaker Biography; Interactive Menus; Scene SelectionSimilar DVD Movies
Patrick Kennedy: The Rise to Powerby Darrell M. West
Prentice Hall; Published: 2000-07-03; Paperback; Book
Best price: $11.89
Price in other shops:
Journeys With GeorgeHBO Home Video; Release date: 2004-02-24; DVD
Best price: $7.71
Price in other shops:
The War RoomRelease date: 2004-10-05; DVD
Best price: $70.39
A Perfect CandidateRelease date: 2004-04-20; DVD
Best price: $5.98
Price in other shops: