
From Variety, February 9,
2005
A Seventh Art release of a Tractor-Beam presentation of a Grace Court Picture
Co. production.
Produced by Matt Kohn, Dan Efram, Joan Linder.
Executive producers, Udy Epstein, Brian McNelis, Dan Efram, Eddy Gilbert Hersh.
Directed by Matt Kohn.
By LAEL LOEWENSTEIN
With an impressive
array of expert testimony, "Call It Democracy" thoughtfully probes
events surrounding the U.S. presidential election of 2000. Far from being another
attack on the election's much-disputed results, it's an illuminating and engrossing
non-partisan look at the longstanding need to address issues including voters'
rights and election reform. It could easily find a home on PBS, CNN, the History
Channel or a major network.
Blending man-on-the-street comments with reflections from legal and political
experts and journalists from all sides of the spectrum, "Call It Democracy"
doesn't repeat Michael Moore's indignant "How could it happen?" battle
cry. Instead, helmer Matt Kohn operates from the premise that with an electoral
college system, of course it could happen. Commentators including Alan Dershowitz,
Vincent Bugliosi and former Senator Birch Bayh (D-IN) examine important historical
events, including the 1960 Kennedy vs. Nixon campaign, George Wallace's attempted
manipulation of the electoral college in 1968, and prior elections when the
popular vote did not prevail. Kohn supplements the piece with fresh footage
from the November 2005 election and raises compelling questions about the perils
of electronic voting.
Camera (color, video), Kohn, Matt Boyd, Laurel Greenberg, Yervant Der Partough,
Sylvia Stoyanova;
editors, Kohn, Chris Boscardin; motion graphics, David Murray, Brian McNelis.
Reviewed at Palm Springs Film Festival, Jan. 16, 2005.
Running time: 74 MIN.
Read the full article at:
http://www.variety.com/story.asp?l=story&r=VE1117926146&c=31