Weiner

Weiner, the documentary on disgraced Congressman Anthony Weiner of New York by Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg is profoundly interesting and successful on many levels.

The fact Weiner allowed the filmmakers access to him, his family and his staff during his bid for the New York mayoralty in 2013 is a testament to both his nerve and his desperation. 

No doubt all politicians have some degree of narcissism, but Weiner’s had blossomed into exhibitionism and the mayoralty race was his chance to redeem himself.   

Unfortunately, the pundits and so-called Christians like MSNBC’s Chris Matthews would not forgive and never asked the only question that really mattered…”Did you stop your exhibitionism before you started running for mayor?”

If so, and the filmmakers, much more his wife, would have known if he hadn’t stopped by then, in a more forgiving atmosphere New York might have ended up with a better mayor than it has.  (New York has had more than its share of tarnished politicians, so the past should have blown over.)

Kudos go to Writer/Editor Eli B. Despres for moving this story along in an extremely compelling manner.

Of course, the even more tragic figure in this story is not Weiner or the citizens of New York, but his wife Huma Abedin.   Kriegman’s camera captures her frustrations and confliction over being caught up in the unfortunate mayhem her family had to suffer. Her stoicism bespeaks her personal power and integrity.

I have to, also, give a nod to Barbara Morgan, second in command of Weiner’s staff, who comes across as the kind of solid and cool support any candidate would want on his team.

I give Weiner a 4 out of 5.