5.0 out of 5 stars
Didn't expect much but was pleasantly surprised, May 14, 2009
This review is from: The Man You Had in Mind (DVD)
If documentaries edit and frame their subject matter so that the viewer is manipulated, they become nothing but propaganda. If they do their best to present the subject matter as if the camera was an objective (and sometimes merciless) observer without any agenda or preconceived notions, they can be wonderful opportunities for the viewer to be exposed to something new or to be exposed to something familiar in an unfamiliar manner. The viewer can then make up their own mind. If they follow this latter strategy, they can become educational in the best sense of broadening our minds and hearts. This video does a good job of avoiding the tedious dangers of liberal propaganda/political correctness.
In this film, several gay couples tell their stories and explain what makes their relationships work. The couples have been together from anywhere from one year to fifty-one years. Family members and friends also give input (sometimes with frankly expressed reservations and concerns). One couple appears to be headed toward a breakup (to my mind, they should breakup. They tell us that it is important to have external things (like a house and pets) to bind a couple together because otherwise it "would be easy to walk away from each other when there is an argument" (suggesting that they are staying together for "the kids"? (In this case, the kids being dalmatians : 0 .)).
It is far more interesting than expected. Cliches are nowhere to be seen or heard. Each couple is unique; there are no "typical" or "poster couples" in this film. The viewer feels that everyone in the film is allowed to be themselves. Family members who disagree with the gay lifestyle are treated with respect and given a chance to express their beliefs without any arguing or challenging from the director. Everyone is allowed to speak without interruption. This is the way a good documentary should operate. Everyone is humanized; no one is dismissed or caricatured. The filmmaker should simply report and show and let us come to our own conclusions. And the filmmaker should not give us answers. We'll figure it out, thank you very much.
Recommended.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Start, January 31, 2009
This review is from: The Man You Had in Mind (DVD)
This documentary, like many, depends on its source material for its relevance. Some couples and their families are quite inciteful while others don't really tells us much. Worth a view for sure especially for the experience of the oldest couple.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
