This new documentary from locally-based production company Old Machine takes us on a journey along Route 66 in and around the last election. The film explores the relationship between voters and the modern politician and asks us to consider; who gets their kickbacks on Route 66?
In the era of opinion news and the rise of the Superpac (with all their charming adverts), the distance between the voter and the politician has arguably never been greater. Of By For explores the role of the media, voter suppression, political lobbying and generally delves into the dark underbelly of political finance.
One of the greatest strengths of Of By For is it’s stellar list of interviewees. But it’s not only the names on the list that are impressive, the interviews themselves must have been conducted with some skill as the responses are surprisingly open and frank. You have the seasoned independent voices of Dennis Kucinich, the Rev. Al Sharpton and Ralph Nadar, along with failed 2012 Presidential Candidates Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul. Adding to this as are the views of Psychology Professors, who expound on theories on the political psyche, plus political academics and genuine Washington insiders who explain how the whole system really works.
Perhaps the crown jewel of the interviews is Jack Abramoff. Dubbed “The Rainmaker” for his role as one of Washington’s most influential lobbyists, before his fall from grace and fraud conviction following the Choctaw Indian Casino scandal (depicted in the 2010 documentary “Casino Jack and the United States of Money”). Abramoff’s insight is perhaps the most revealing of all, and he even comes across as a potential force for good. Yes it is easy to point the finger at lobbyists like Abramoff who wave the big bucks on behalf of special interests, but who do our politicians seek out when their next fundraiser is around the corner?
Through a series of street interviews, the film also looks at the sense of disillusionment many voters felt at the last election, where a narrow margin divided the two parties on many issues. The journalist Dan Rather drives the discussion on the role of media in the modern political process. As Rather explains, the more watered down the mainstream media coverage, the less informed the electorate, and the less accountable our representatives. Rather talks about the need for a major spine transplant for our media, and how tenacious journalism should be there to help hold our politicians to account.
Also under the microscope is the squeeze of the two political parties, and how difficult it is for any third parties to communicate their ideas to voters. The film covers a lot of big issues, so there are some apparent gaps in the research. For example, one important aspect of the exclusion of third parties in the political process is the exclusively deal for televised discussion between Republican and Democrat parties.
When the Commission for Presidential Debates (CPD) took over organizing the debates from the League of Women Voters, third parties were kept out and candidates were prevented from taking part in any other discussions. To buck this trend in 2012, Democracy Now showed the debates in real time, pausing after Romney and Obama had given responses to allow candidates from The Green Party and the Justice Party to respond. In fact Green Party Presidential Candidate Jill Stein was actually arrested trying to enter a Commission for Presidential Debates (CPD) debate at the last election.
Of By For is an eye-opening contemporary political documentary. The film is highly informative, well paced and entertaining. It’s peppered with great interviews and the right blend of road trip, talking heads, good cinematography and a great soundtrack. And if all that isn’t enough, then the fact that it has a made in Columbus stamp should make this a must see!
For more information, visit Ofbyforfilm.com. It will show at the Gateway Film Center on Wednesday, July 17th as part of the Columbus Documentary Week.
