2008 Athens International Film Festival
'Pete Seeger' inspires folk buffs, bores non-fans
By Taryn Lentes, Staff Writer
April 28, 2008 | 6 p.m.
"Pete Seeger: The Power of Song" is a documentary about the life of American singer/songwriter Pete Seeger, who spent his life reviving folk music and inspiring political activism. The film combines music and politics in a documentary that will please folk fans but might bore the average viewer.
The film is directed by Jim Brown, a three time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, who specializes in documenting the lives and influence of musicians, especially folk artists. "Pete Seeger: The Power of Song" is his fourth feature film.
The first half of Brown's documentary moves a little too slowly to fully hold the attention of someone who is viewing the movie without a previous interest in Pete Seeger. The use of home movies, archival footage and interviews is not completely uninteresting, but the amount of time spent on Seeger’s pre-fame, early years becomes slightly tedious for audience members.
Some footage used in the film is in black and white, which can also be a turn-off for some viewers. These clips, however, are broken up with color interviews and modern performances.
Once "Pete Seeger" reaches its halfway point, the pace improves and the subject matter becomes much more focused. Audience members may enter the film unsure of Seeger's work, but once some of his songs are featured throughout the documentary, most should find Seeger's most famous ditties, such as “Turn, Turn, Turn” and “If I Had a Hammer," quite recognizable.
The use of Seeger's songs and performance footage works as a common thread that holds together the different sections of the film, ultimately adding much to viewers' enjoyment. Instead of simply having a commentator express Seeger's talent and sincerity, the viewers are able to see for themselves.
One of the most interesting and central aspects of the film's footage centers on Seeger’s political and social activism. Seeger began his career by singing pro-union songs, eventually singing songs that protested wars, encouraged racial tolerance and urged environmental protection-- all at times when it was extremely unpopular to do so.
Seeger’s activism, coupled with his popularity, made him a threat to the government, thus leading to his blacklisting as a member of the Communist Party and banishment from television for 17 years. The parallels between the blacklisting of artists such as Seeger and the protest of certain musical artists during more recent times is hinted at within the film and is an interesting aspect to consider.
Although many students might not recognize the name "Pete Seeger," the numerous stories expressed within this documentary are worth hearing, especially when told from the perspectives of those who lived through the times. Through his music and leadership skills, Seeger managed to overcome his blacklist status, introduce Martin Luther King Jr. to the song “We Shall Overcome” and begin the movement that saved the Hudson River from its previous state of sludge.
The film is a reminder that rebellious music does not always come with electric guitars and mohawks; in fact, sometimes it comes with sing-alongs and banjos.
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"Pete Seeger: The Power of Song"
Speakeasy Rating: B
MPAA Rating: PG
Running Time: 93 min
Showings:
Monday, April 28 at Athena: 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 29 at Athena: 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 at Athena: 11:15 a.m.
Thursday, May 1 at Athena Grand: 1:30 p.m.