Let me start out by saying that you don't need to be a fan or even a former viewer of Mr Rogers Neighborhood to see this, this film is about as universal as it gets. I've never been a big watcher of documentaries, I often find myself bored by the end no matter how intriguing the topic is. I heard great things about Won't you be my Neighbor? and the trailer gave me a feeling I don't often have, I sort of got chills and then got very excited, with a sweeping feeling coming over me that this is something special. It turns out that feeling was right.
This film follows the career of Fred Rogers, from his early days in television through to his death. It shows us his highs and lows, and the strong connection he managed to form with so many people over the years. Rogers covered so many important topics that are explored in this film, and made such an impact on so many people that I'd say this is the most important film of the year so far. I know that's a bold claim, but the ideals shown by Rogers and everyone involved in this film could not be more important with the shape of the world and especially the United States right now.
Director Morgan Neville builds this film through a collection of interviews, archive footage, and occasional animations, with the perfect balance of each so that the film gets everything across that it needs to without the pacing ever falling flat, which is one of the things that impressed me most. Some of the interviewees included Fred's wife, his sons, actors and crew from his show, as well as some people that were just really close with him.
While most of the film is interviews and archive footage there are some really good shots throughout that I enjoyed. The film's music is also really great, and based on how important music was to Rogers I'm very glad that it was an element that worked well.
I'd love to say more about the filmmaking behind this, but there isn't much to say. The filmmaking is fairly simple, which some might see as a fault, however that's one thing Rogers was out to prove; that it doesn't take big flashy sets and props to have a relationship with a child. It doesn't take brilliant filmmaking for this film to make an impact, its themes and messages are just as important as they were back when the show aired, and the clear impact Fred Rogers has had is a beautiful sight to behold. If this film doesn't bring any tears to your eyes, it will at least put a smile on your face and that smile will stick with you long after leaving the theater. The year's most beautiful and culturally important film is a documentary about a 60s/70s kids show, and I'm more than glad I saw it.
Rating: 4.6/5
Written by Matt McKenzie
This film follows the career of Fred Rogers, from his early days in television through to his death. It shows us his highs and lows, and the strong connection he managed to form with so many people over the years. Rogers covered so many important topics that are explored in this film, and made such an impact on so many people that I'd say this is the most important film of the year so far. I know that's a bold claim, but the ideals shown by Rogers and everyone involved in this film could not be more important with the shape of the world and especially the United States right now.
Director Morgan Neville builds this film through a collection of interviews, archive footage, and occasional animations, with the perfect balance of each so that the film gets everything across that it needs to without the pacing ever falling flat, which is one of the things that impressed me most. Some of the interviewees included Fred's wife, his sons, actors and crew from his show, as well as some people that were just really close with him.
While most of the film is interviews and archive footage there are some really good shots throughout that I enjoyed. The film's music is also really great, and based on how important music was to Rogers I'm very glad that it was an element that worked well.
I'd love to say more about the filmmaking behind this, but there isn't much to say. The filmmaking is fairly simple, which some might see as a fault, however that's one thing Rogers was out to prove; that it doesn't take big flashy sets and props to have a relationship with a child. It doesn't take brilliant filmmaking for this film to make an impact, its themes and messages are just as important as they were back when the show aired, and the clear impact Fred Rogers has had is a beautiful sight to behold. If this film doesn't bring any tears to your eyes, it will at least put a smile on your face and that smile will stick with you long after leaving the theater. The year's most beautiful and culturally important film is a documentary about a 60s/70s kids show, and I'm more than glad I saw it.
Rating: 4.6/5
Written by Matt McKenzie
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