Even This We Get to Experience – Norman Lear Documentary Excels

Television Writer and Producer Norman Lear titled his autobiography “Even This I Get to Experience“.  That fit my thoughts perfectly as I watched the new documentary Norman Lear : Just Another Version of You.  I do not normally write about documentaries in this blog, but this film deserves special attention. I first saw the film at an advance screening earlier this year. I loved it. The icing on the cake that night was the fact that I and the rest of the audience were treated to an hour of Mr. Lear in person following the screening. I never realized how much of a pioneer and social activist the man was.

Now on limited distribution, the film arrived back in Chicago last night. I enjoyed it even more the second time. Co-Directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady have done a masterful job in telling Lear’s story. The film becomes very personal. We viewers are sitting right next to Norman and his friends listening to the story with awe. There is a wonderful mix of history, pathos and comedy. I walked out truly feeling that I now know the man and what has made him tick the past 80+ years. (He is 94 years young). The story is told by Lear in a narrative without on-screen questioning. Guest stars who worked with Lear over the years chime in adding to his story as he goes along.  Although at times he is telling his story from an armchair, we also follow him to theaters and homes. Archival footage of shows, rehearsals and planning meetings is carefully intertwined and an integral part of the storytelling.  From a technical sense this is one of the best made documentaries I have seen. From an entertainment aspect it is wonderful and from an educational perspective it is special.

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