Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Evocateur: The Morton Downey Jr. Movie

Ever wonder what happened to television, how so-called reality shows took over the industry and made it possible for the most obnoxious and outrageous behavior to rise to the top even if the people acting that way don’t actually have talent or do anything to earn their money and attention? This fascinating documentary from directors Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller and Jeremy Newberger makes a very strong case that it all boils down to a loudmouth jerk and his highly influential talk show. The film goes beyond the mouth that roared across cable television from 1988-1989 to give the audience a look at both the softer side of Mort --- he was a ballad singer just like his old man – as well as his more psychotic episodes, like the alleged attack by skinheads that just happened to take place when the show’s ratings were in the toilet. You may not love the guy when it’s over, but you will have a better idea of what he did to change the world.

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