Won't You Be My Neighbor?

One of my favorite genres is that of documentaries. In many cases, they can not only inform us and teach us a lesson or two, but they can and do entertain us at the same time. There are so many quality documentaries out there: "The Corporation" '03, Super Size Me" '04, "Murderball" '05, "Life Itself" '14, "Fed Up" '14, plus many others. So when I saw that a documentary entitled "Won't You Be My Neighbor" centered around the beloved Mr. Rogers, I couldn't resist.

 

This documentary takes an intimate look at America's favorite neighbor: Mister Fred Rogers. A portrait of a man whom we all think we know, this emotional and moving film takes us beyond the zip-up cartigans and the land of make-believe, and into the heart of a creative genius who inspired generations of children with compassion and limitless imagination.

Takes from interviews with Joanne Rogers--his wife and widow, his two sons, John and Jim, Cellist and friend, Yo-Yo Ma, Junlei Li, and many others, we are able to see how incredibly deep and poignant this ordained minister was, and has left that indelible mark for all to see and appreciate and respect. Apparently, to meet Rogers was to know him. This is how incredibly real and genuine he was. It starts with his beginnings in TV to his first show in 1968 to his last show in 2000 to his subsequent death in 2003.

 

Others interviewed were Lady Aberlin, Francois Scarborough Clemmons, Jeff Erlanger, Joe Negri, Margy Whitmer, Tom Junod, Max King and Bill Isler. There was also much footage of Fred Rogers throughout.

 

This was well crafted by director, Morgan Neville ("Shotgun Freeway: Drives Through Lost L.A." (Documentary) '95, "Sidney Poitier: The Defiant One" (TV movie Documentary) '97, "The Houstons: Hollywood's Maverick Dynasty" (TV movie Documentary) '98, "Brian Wilson: A Beach Boy's Tale" (TV movie) '99, "Johnny Cash's America" (Documentary) '08, "Troubadours" (Documentary) '11, "20 Feet from Stardom" (Documentary) '13, "The Music of Strangers" (Documentary) '15) plus others, TV and shorts. As one can tell by this filmmaker's resume, this director is obviously the documentary king. And even with this expertise, his use of editors, Jeff Malmberg and Aaron Wickenden, ace, and post production supervisor, Jamie McBriety, was pure genius. He tied together much archival footage and interviews where this amazing story simply unfolded before the audience's eyes. This was handled with such compassion and poignancy that one felt like they knew Fred Rogers whether they did or not. If you like this filmmaker's work, not to worry, his "They'll Love Me When I'm Dead" (Documentary) is in post production for a later 2018 release.

 

This truly is a film all should see whether you grew up watching Mr. Rogers or not, if for no other reason than to learn to be kind to others (our neighbors) like he was. Its message is so profound that it should become required viewing in schools. In a world where there is so much violence, this is such a breath of fresh air. All that I can say is the selling slogan of the film says it all, "A little kindness makes a world of difference".

 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                       Rated: PG-13                                     94mins.