I review films professionally for a small paper that is situated in a primarily liberal oasis adrift in a very conservative county,
In my reviews, I keep my politics close to the vest (but, honestly, anyone who reads between the lines can easily see my stripes).
In private, though, I consume documentaries such as “Uncounted.” “Outfoxed,” “Iraq for Sale,” “Uncovered” and “Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices” have captivated me, as I look forward to each new film released by Robert Greenwald's Brave New Films company.
In a political year such as this one, I digest far too much information than my recommended daily allowance suggests, but I turn into a news junkie, compulsively checking the net for breaking stories, impulsively signing up, volunteering and donating to causes (I'll see you at the voting booth on election day!), and filling my mp3 to the brim with political talk shows of the day (full confession: I shed a tear of happiness when my favorite radio pundit Rachael Maddow landed her own gig on MSNBC after Keith Olbermann).
As compulsive as I am, I still manage to keep reality in check when I view these films, and wear my best reporter's cap when disseminating the information coming at me (that's what a Journalism degree does to you).
Two years back, I stumbled upon a a lengthy piece from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called “Was the 2004 Election Stolen?”, published in Rolling Stone ( a link to the piece is found here). It's a lengthy but essential piece, especially for anyone who is concerned about the current political climate in this country. His follow-up piece “Block the Vote” was released this week and is a worthy successor.
I mention all this because I feel that it is an integral companion piece for “Uncounted.”
The David Earnhardt-directed documentary covers the same turf as the Kennedy piece on the 2004 presidential election and the numerous inconsistencies in the voting practices in this country's more economically depressed and minority areas.
Yes, the film leans far to the left, but then when is the last time that you have heard of election fraud coming out in favor of the Democrats? (Don't throw me that tired ACORN voter “registration” rubbish either, for that is completely different than “election” fraud).
For the politically strident, the film is not an easy watch, and for those who suffer from malaise at the thought of voting, this could cause you to recoil on your couch until November 5, when it's way over.
But if you are even the least bit concerned about just what happens after that button is pushed or that level is pulled, “Uncounted” will cause much discomfort and maybe, just maybe, motivate you to leaf material that will help you get involved and, to quote Mahatma Gandhi, help “be the change we want to see in the world.”
With the election only days away, “Uncounted” could not be more timely viewing and I promise it will give you more chills than any horror movie marathon in your house ever could.