Television news and morning papers show very little of who a politician is. They all select the same sound bites from the same news conferences and photo ops to construct very similar stories. While the occasional piece of news might cross into the personal persona, most simply reflect the party line. Alexandra Pelosi’s made-for-cable documentary Journeys with George breaks down the wall as it follows then Texas governor George W. Bush on his year-long march to the presidency.
Working for NBC, Pelosi pulls together the home videos she filmed as a member of the press who zigzagged back and forth across America with Bush’s campaign. Through the nominating primaries all the way up to the election. Not only does it provide a unique look at that galoot we call Dubya, but it also explores the relationship shared between the media and their subjects. At the start of the campaign Bush is none too popular with Pelosi. She admits up front that she’s a lifelong Democrat whose family has a history in Washington politics. As a Republican, Bush was the enemy. But along the way, through all the cheesy photo ops and all the political rallies, Pelosi made a friend in Bush. Whether you think he’s a horrible leader or one of the greats, the private Bush is one charming fellow.
Journeys with George isn’t so much a documentary as it is a private journey caught on tape through Pelosi’s lens. It’s not out to find answers or prove a point but rather she just turns the camera on and lets the story emerge. Through her narrative, Pelosi seems surprised with the way she got wrapped up in the process of democracy. Her narration is very frank as she even spends a good amount of time questioning her own tactics and motivations.
I’ll freely admit to not being a big fan (or even a small one) of Bush’s reign as president. But then again, I’m not American either. But his charm even won me over to a certain extent in Journeys with George. He’s a schmoozer with a fast, albeit simple, sense of humour and he shows a willingness to get silly in front of Pelosi’s camera. He shows a lot of personality, an infinite amount more than a national television address can convey. Journeys with George shows the private side of a powerful politician that is rarely seen. Pelosi’s close access and her willingness to open up and look into her own spot in the campaign frenzy makes this meta-documentary important for members of the media as well as those who consume it.
Journeys With George Gallery
