July 3rd Log

AN UNREASONABLE MAN
2006, Henriette Mantel / Steve Skrovan, United States
1st Viewing, DVD

After Al Gore got his film last year, here we get to reflect on the life and the legacy of Ralph Nadar, from his earliest battles with corporations to his eventual independent run for presidency. This film is fully involving from start to finish, sparking insightful and important political issues along the way. The film gathers together all kinds of interview guests, all of whom have plenty of positive and negatives to share about Nadar. The film seems to be divided into halves with the first half focused on the activist days of Nadar and his so-called “Nadar’s Raiders”. Then the film goes into Nadar’s pursuit of the presidency, as he sees no divide between the two main political parties. It is here Nadar loses the support of his friends (even some of his “Raiders”), as they feel Nadar’s presence on the poll is the direct cause of Gore and Kerry losing to Bush in the 2000 and 2004 elections. Through it all the film puts in some quotes from Nadar making it all the more interesting and entertaining. Above all the film gives us a different perspective of Nadar’s motivations and intentions then we are initially led to believe. His efforts are often ignored but here is a film that brings them to light.