Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)
Grade: A
Dir: Kurt Kuenne
Having just finished watching the documentary "Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father", I am writing this in a very emotional state. It is one of the most powerful, unforgettable documentaries I have ever seen and a glimpse into the darkest recesses of the soul that is ultimately trumped by love and friendship.
I heard some details about the case years ago, and then saw a lot about the documentary from fellow bloggers when it first came out last year but, as usual, I stayed away from any information until I had the opportunity to see the film myself. While it was worth the wait, it is an emotionally devastating film.
The film tells the story of Dr. Andrew David Bagby and his murder at the hands of ex-girlfriend Shirley Turner, who we learn was pregnant with Andrew's baby at the time of the murder. The film follows Andrew's parents, Kate and David, as they fly to Newfoundland to help bring justice to his son and to be there for their grandson, the beautiful and luminous Zachary. The documentary tracks their journey through the eyes of Kurt Kuenne, one of Andrew's lifelong friends. The film travails the line between an intimate family portrait and an exposé of the Canadian law system effortlessly and painstakingly.
Much of the intimacy of the film is due to the vast amount of footage Kuenne had of Andrew Bagby and his family. As a child, Kurt was an aspiring filmmaker, and Andrew (and his parents) starred in many of his early movies. Because of this footage, we are able to see Andrew grow up from a playful, mischevious kid into a doctor. Throughout, we hear from Andrew's large family and even larger group of friends. It is not too long before you start caring for this person and the little boy he'd never meet.
I experienced a broad range of emotions watching "Dear Zachary"; mostly anger and frustration, but also love for the Bagby family. Kuenne achieves something amazing: he transcends the familiar documentary techniques and imbues the genre with a raw approach that has an immediacy I have not seen on the screen since "Hoop Dreams."
The film shows us a lot of darkness, but the light shines through every single time. The film also gives us a glimpse of two veritable heroes in Kate and David Bagby -- a couple who acted with superhuman strength and dignity in the face of evil. They are remarkable.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Short Takes: Dear Zachary - A Letter to a Son About His Father
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9 comments:
You saw it! Isn't it marvelous? My #2 film of the year... which reminds me, I still need to put up my top 10 list. I doubt people are still interested though.
I'm still a mess.
And you should DEFINITELY post your top ten! Looking forward to it.
Goddess D, I have heard that DZ is a wonderful transcendent film. But I don't go to docs often.
Consequently, I haven't seen it. So my opinion means SFA.
Gorgeous writing from you as always though.
"I doubt people are still interested though."
*stamps china doll feet*
Well, I'd like to see it, k.
*pouts magnificently in corner*
Don't I count...?
Well, I can't say I'm at all surprised by your assessment here Dorothy. This is one of the most disturbing, heart-breaking and utterly wenching documentaries to come down the pike in a very long time. Of course it's also as beautiful and inspiring a confirmation of humanity that's ever been captured. Andrew Bagby's parents moved and inspired so many people as was seen in that montage near the end where so many testified to what they meant to their own lives. Hence, there was a light at the end of the oppressive darkness, and a true meaning to life was given a glowing conviction. (as you eloquently posed in the final paragraph to your magnificent essay here.
It's a film that will never be shaken and methinks one of the great documentaries of recent times.
Incidentally, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new streamlined and eye-pleasing look to INSIDE THE GOLD!!!!
Thank you for the kinds words, Sam. You are absolutely right about the film's attributes and place in the documentary genre. It is a remarkable achievement.
And yeah, I do like the new look as well! I'm resigned that I suck at playing around with Blogger (for the most part), and then came across this nifty little template. Needless to say, it did the trick and classed up the joint significantly :)
What Sam said - on both counts.
Part of me is still jarred by the editing style of Dear Zachary, but no doubt the content is devastating enough on its own. It must have been terrible for Kurt to go through the process of making this film.
Always glad to see this one getting some love! It's so incredibly moving.
Thank you Daniel & Matthew for the support.
Daniel, I can see how the style can be a bit jolting (and even unnecessary in hindsight), but the story is so powerful, so very moving it makes up for any technical flaws.
And Matthew, I completely agree. I still find myself thinking about the film even now.
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