Jimmy Carter Man From Plains
You'd probably think that two hours spent with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter would be more interesting than "Jimmy Carter Man From Plains" would suggest.Veteran filmmaker Jonathan Demme's documentary feature on the now 83-year-old Carter does show some of his activities as a philanthropist, humanitarian and man of God, but mostly concentrates on his post-presidential writing career.
In fact, much of the the film concerns the controversy surrounding his 2006 best-seller, "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid," which critics accused of being anti-Israel and possibly pro-Palestine.
But it's not quite as interesting as that probably sounds. "Man From Plains" is ho-hum and uninvolving, which is a surprise, considering the seeming wealth of material.
As the film shows, Carter clearly believes himself to be an expert on the Middle East, based on such experiences as helping broker the Camp David peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.
Yet within days of its release, the book stirs up controversy and Carter heads off on a cross-country tour that sees him signing copies at in-store appearances and doing several television and radio talk shows.
There's also a planned, unpaid speaking engagement at Brandeis University, which becomes a bigger deal than expected when supposed Middle East expert Alan Dershowitz wants to debate him.
There's nothing really revelatory here either, though the soft-spoken Carter does show off funnier and feistier sides to his personality.
And he certainly comes off better than the rather unlikable Harvard Law School professor Dershowitz, whose objections to Carter's theories are too strident and blustery.
"Jimmy Carter Man From Plains" is rated PG for some disturbing violent imagery (warfare and the after-effects of a suicide bombing) as well as discussion of some adult themes and material. Running time: 125 minutes.
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