Dear Zachary, watch it.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Written by: Jed

I don’t think I’ve experienced a more emotional film.

In the past weeks I’ve been seeing a series of random movies and documentaries. Films that didn’t receive the typical box office treatment. The series included Man On Wire, Ping Pong Playa, Jesus Camp, Who Killed the Electric Car? (which I’m just about to see) and Dear Zachary.

I was introduced to the movie in episode 95, of the Totally Rad Show. That was at the end of 2008. I like to procrastinate. The only thing I knew about it coming in was that, as Dan described,

…it’s a documentary that a guy made for his best friend’s son, named Zachary and it starts out that way and it turns into something else, and I’ve never cried as much, I’ve never been moved and inspired as much…

That sums up my experience pretty well. Although I’d like to add, that I also haven’t been as frustrated.

As its title suggests, Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is for the most part, just that. The documentary revolves around Andrew Bagby, who was murdered in 2001 by Shirley Jane Turner – who happened to be pregnant with his baby, Zachary. The filmmaker, and Andrew’s best friend, Kurt Kuenne, began the filming to commemorate his best friend’s life, in the hopes of giving Zachary a chance to know his father. It’s filled with interview after interview with Andrew’s family and friends from all around the world – who better to provide insight about who Andrew was? But there is more to it than that and as Dan pointed out, “it turns into something else”. It also serves as a great critique of the shortcomings and fundamental flaws in the Criminal Justice System, as well as a great tribute to two great parents, grandparents, and activists. The documentary itself is fantastically shot and edited. The hard-hitting cuts do a great job in just further emphasizing the already tragic events – while the softer, and heart-felt scenes do well in honouring Andrew Bagby, as well as his parents. Few may have a problem with how Shirley Jane Turner was portrayed, but if you’re bothered by this walking out of the film, I suggest paying attention next time.

Few movies and stories offer an emotional experience such as Dear Zachary. And even fewer, actually matter.

Dear Zachary, watch it.