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Jimmy Carter Man From Plains

Written by Nobuhiro Hosoki

 

Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme covers former president Jimmy Carter's recent book tour for "Palestine:Peace Not Apartheid", giving a comprehensive look at this rather underrated humanitarian. In his controversial effort, Carter addresses high-profile political issues by arguing that Israel's ongoing occupation of Gaza and the West Bank are roadblocks to lasting peace in the Middle East. This title and point of view has caused a huge stir among the Jewish community.

Despite these protests, a sprightly Carter embarked on a nationwide campaign through an endless series of book signings, talking with TV personalities, flying out in airplanes. Carter has been using the media as his promotional tool, just as the media have been employing his story. His intention has been to stimulate an exchanging of ideas. From the beginning, Carter's sincerity has made him into an proper and reasonable spokesman for peace. This film offers a unique opportunity to watch an admired figure tackle his issues head on, moment by moment, allowing us to observe Carter's own political experience and a certain intellectual ability to more than effectively make his points.

Director Demme captures the backdrop of the American political landscape through this fascinating look and this informative portrayal of a Nobel Peace Prize winner. The focus here is on Carter's untiring effort at protecting human rights, settling conflicts, and preventing disease, and building homes with Habitat in New Orleans. But most of all, we can relate to his sweet-natured character and deeply religious elderly man. His aging is something people would admire him for--he regularly goes swimming, for example. In the end, it is his personality that drives the film throughout, as he slowly elaborates himself as a true spiritual leader in the world.

Directed by Jonathan Demme
Director of photography: Declan Quinn
Edited by Kate Amend
Music by Djamel Ben Yelles, Alejandro Escovedo, Gillian Welch, and David Rawlings
Produced by Mr. Demme and Neda Armian
Released by Sony Pictures Classics.
Running time: 126 minutes.