Campaign: The Making of a Candidate. Andrew Munger (Director & Writer). Andrew Munger & Gerry Flahive (Producers). Montreal, PQ: National Film Board of Canada, 2004. 57 min., VHS or DVD, $99.95. Order Number: C9104 096. Grades 10 and up / Ages 15 and up. Review by Helen Norrie. **** /4

This documentary does an excellent job of tracing David Miller's progress from a back-bench member of Toronto City Hall, with an estimated chance of becoming mayor of only 4%, to his actual election as Mayor of Toronto some 10 months later. The producers of the film provide close coverage of every important event, both personal and public, in the course of his campaign. Viewers watch David's meetings with his campaign advisors and hear their suggestions before crucial TV debates. We see him at home with his young family and are introduced to his wife, a lawyer, in prestigious Osgood Hall. We also see the important press conference and speech given by Robert Kennedy in support of Miller's opposition to a bridge linking Toronto Island and its airport to the mainland. Because there is historical footage interspersed with live action, there is quite often a blank screen between images. Otherwise the photography and editing are well done, and there is a real build-up of suspense, even when one is aware of the outcome. This is an important record of an unusual campaign with an unexpected ending. For any political junkies or interested would-be politicians, Campaign: The Making of a Candidate should be required watching. It shows the difficulties as well as the highlights of the campaign; the "dirty tricks," the physical strain, the toll that it takes on the candidate and his family. I can recommend it highly.

Highly Recommended.

Helen Norrie, a former teacher-librarian in Winnipeg, MB, has had personal experience with election campaigns. [Editor’s note: Helen’s husband, Bill, was the Mayor of Winnipeg, MB, from 1979-1992.]

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

 

NEXT REVIEW |TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - February 3, 2006.

AUTHORS | TITLES | MEDIA REVIEWS | PROFILES | BACK ISSUES | SEARCH | CMARCHIVE | HOME