The Agronomist (2003/2004)
There have been a plethora of political
documentaries of late and I guess it should come as
no surprise that one, Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit
911," even took the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival
this year. "The Agronomist" is a political documentary
that reminded me much of "The Trials of Henry Kissinger"
and other recent docs that take us inside foreign
countries. In this case, we visit Haiti, and are allowed
to understand the political situations that have been
evolving that country over the last three of four
decades.
However, documentaries work best
when there is a dynamic subject to expose to an audience
and, much to its advantage, "The Agronomist" has one
of the most captivating ever, Jean Dominique, a radio
journalist who has fought for free speech and for
the reformation of the Haiti's dictatorship for much
of his life. Dominique, who speaks wonderfully and
passionately in French and English, is a passionate
and poetic man who is consistently interesting to
watch. He propels "The Agronomist" through the story
of Haiti and its political turmoil in ways that keep
it fresh and interesting to the casual viewer.
Filmmaker Jonathan Demme, obviously
working on a labor of love highlighting one of his
dearest friends, combines what must be the best of
hours and hours of interviews with Dominique here
with archive footage and other recorded interviews,
with Dominique's wife, friends and associates, to
create a compelling story and a compassionate film.
"The Agronomist" resonates with importance and sorrow
and reminds us of just how much is going on in the
world. It also reminds us, somewhat, of how America's
influence, including politically, culturally and militarily
imput, has dominated many of the less affluent countries
over the last 50 years and how this influence has
usually discredited us as a nation. In these times
of foreign wars and seeming incredible tyranny springing
from the White House, "The Agronomist" becomes quite
timely.
Notes:
In English and French with subtitles.
Score by Wyclef Jean.
Released in France in 2003 and in
the USA in 2004.
Viewed on a VHS screener provided
by the distributor and the Dobie theater.
