Entertaining, but needs more political context

I think between the comments of littlesiddie and thunger you can get a sense that this film has some worthwhile elements, but leaves the curious mind wanting to know more. While, like littlesiddie, I am left hungry for more facts that would let me make my own judgements, I think thunger more aptly describes the film and its charms.

Essentially it was a portrait of a man, a very dynamic man. A more complete film, or series of films, about Haiti, of course, wouldn't put the political points of the director across as well. I can state this with a bit more authority than just the casual viewer, as Demme discussed and answered questions after a screening of this film at our local film center. It was quite obvious where his sentiments lay (not that someone isn't entitled to a particular point of view) and that he was not interested in laying out any kind of balanced history, though a discerning viewer would note all the omissions and not be quick to put the "blame" for the political and ecomonic disaster that is Haiti today on the shoulders of only a few parties. History is rarely so black and white. I for one am not ready to let the U.S. government or "corporations" take the blame for yesterday's or today's mistakes. Simple pictures and statements of outrage are not enough.


"Gentles, perchance you wonder at this show;
But wonder on, till truth make all things plain."
-- A Midsummer Night's Dream