Simply Perfect

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Blistering performances.

I learned about racism thus: I was stretched out on a porch on a bright summer day (very possibly reading a comic book, though I can't say for sure at this late date). A black kid came cruising along on a bicycle. As he passed our house, I got up and went to the rail to watch him. He was moving fast, going downhill, and there was some question in my mind as to whether or not he would manage to maintain control of his bike as he reached the intersection at the bottom of the hill. He glanced over, saw me, and gave me the most hateful look I'd ever seen. "What you lookin' at, you White Cracker?" Momentarily nonplussed, I nonetheless responded in kind: "I'm lookin' at you- Graham Cracker!" He swung the bike around and I beat a hasty retreat indoors. When I asked my mother what a "White Cracker" was, she explained the Facts of Life to me. As it turns out, I'm part Irish and part Cherokee (50/50, or thereabouts). When I see something like TRUDELL, it resonates. It's just a matter of degree.

Finally, the story of John Trudell is told. Trudell is an amazingly creative individual with a deep taproot, and this film presentation of his life is dynamic and riveting. The suffering he has endured as a human being, apart from any political or cultural back story, and his big-hearted response, can inform all of our lives. In addition to the creative beauty of the film, it has some excellent documentary footage from an important period in our country's history that should not be missed.I attended the premiere in Minneapolis with my children (ages 15 to 23) and it was a significant cultural and artistic event for all of us. I'm eager to see the completed version of the film and will continue to encourage everyone I know to see it. Bring the family!

I've read about John Trudell for years, heard his poetry and political/spiritual philosophy, heard him speak in person, and am familiar with the abuse he suffered while working as a full-time activist. So I was very interested to see the film when it came within driving distance (two hours) of my home. I did learn some things about his personal life, from childhood on, and think the film pursues the personal and family life without prying or being voyeuristic. I also learned some details about his evolution as a speaker. I saw no attempt to candy-coat either his public image or the lasting damage that his personal tragedies have wrought. I was particularly interested by the different ways that journalists responded to him during interviews and that celebrities summarized their impressions after working with him. Overall, I came away with a deepened appreciation for his spirit, a strengthened critique of the culture we all find ourselves living in, and admiration for his uncompromising love of human beings and for his persistence. I would have been very interested to hear the commentary of mainstream political figures, in order to watch them publicly negotiate the presence of an eloquent, critical voice who is more often ignored or discounted as a radical or a nut just because it is difficult to hear some of what he says.This is an excellent documentary.

I think Trudell was one of the best movies I have seen as far as true life . The man speaks from the heart and his intelligence of things to come have been so right on the money.I have followed John for many many years in his music and his poetry.I have gone to many of his readings in California to the films debut in Colorado, and then again in North Carolina. I think he is highly Intelligent and a very gifted man. He speaks from the heart, and moves your soul and mind to think. I will see it again if the chance arises, and will purchase it should it ever be released .I took several of my friends who had never heard John, and both came out of the theater looking as if they had been struck with lightening .They understood what I had talked about for years when I spoke of him or they heard his music.They have become true John fans.And I must agree with them.