I happen to be a voter for the annual IFP Independent Spirit Awards and first saw this film as a candidate for the 2006 John Cassavettes Award, honoring the best film made for under $500,000. Though I certainly did not vote for it (though the other nominees were not that much stronger), CONVENTIONEERS walked away with the award, much to my chagrin. To this day, I maintain that its victory was not based on merit, but instead on politics and therein lies my problems with the film.
Many of my readers have picked up on some conservative leanings in my posts in the past, which isn't entirely false, but it's not entirely true either. I'm no Pat Buchanan, but I'm no Karl Marx either. Even if I were more liberal, I think I still would have taken issue with the way conservatives are portrayed in this film. The film had some potential as it centers around a torrid affair between a leftist protestor and a Republican delegate, both in town for the 2004 RNC in NYC. They had went to Dartmouth together and the reunion sparks their long-gestating attraction to one another, in spite of their political differences. That was interesting enough and I thought it might be leading to a bi-partisan message, but instead it devolves into a story about how Republicans are two-dimensional evil demons on par with Nazis. Regardless of whether or not you agree with that assessment, you have to admit that didactic preaching never makes for a very interesting narrative.
The highlight of the film is actually the performance of the leftist protestor, as played by Woodwyn Koons. Even though I don't agree with her character's politics, I am able to recognize that the actor is a very commanding presence on-screen. She is attractive, but in a very unusual way, which makes her seem more real and feel relatable. Her choices help to make a character that is full of rage, but still has a sense of humor and irony. Out of all the characters we've been introduced to on Reel 13, she is among a select few that feel so genuine that it's as if she might be on the same subway as you or passing you on the street. In other words, she is an extremely human character. Unfortunately, the screenplay wants to paint her into a political symbol.
I think the primary reason for the extent of my animosity for CONVENTIONEERS is the missed opportunity - it had the groundwork for a really good film. The filmmakers definitely know how to tell a story, the handheld cinematography is mostly adept and as I mentioned, the lead female is outstanding (the male lead isn't as good…). However, instead of using their talents and assets to tell a fair and balanced story, they use the opportunity to get on their soapbox. And that's when I tune out.
(For more information on this film or other Reel 13 films, check out their website at www.reel13.org)