In a world of children's television where cartoons and silliness ruled with anvils dropping on heads and pies being hurled at faces, Fred Rogers looked to stand out with some decent values for kids. His approach was simple and turtle-like slow. His conversations with youngsters were measured and quiet and understanding. When some nasty current events like the Robert Kennedy assassination in 1968 dominated the headlines, Rogers used those sinister moments to communicate them with children confused by it all. In a medium full of pretenders, Mister Fred Rogers was apparently the real thing.
The filmmaker behind this wonderful tribute is Morgan Neville and we've already enjoyed his work with the Oscar-winning "20 Feet from Stardom" about back-up singers like Darlene Love. He really cared about this subject matter then and apparently still does now with Mister Rogers. The accolades provided by his family and long time co-workers showed that they shared in Fred's labor of love. When Rogers appeared in Congress to argue against government cuts for PBS, his plea is so well-crafted and virtually stunning that the senator in charge literally threw up his hands in defeat immediately.
Like an episode of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," this documentary saunters through his life and the subject matter as if you are taking a leisurely stroll through the town square. At its end, you are consumed by the decency of this man and what he quietly achieved. Not only is this subject matter worthy, so, too, is the film depicting it. Bravo again to Morgan Neville, whose next work I await eagerly.
As for Fred Rogers, I am sorry I missed him and didn't see his magic first hand.
LEN'S RATING: Three-and-a-half stars.
Dinner last night: Grilled brats.
No comments:
Post a Comment