Compared To What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank
Compared To What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank

Movie spotlight

Compared To What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank

2014
Movie
87 min
English

An intimate portrait of recently retired Congressman Barney Frank, one of our most well-known and least understood political figures, this documentary alternates between deeply personal moments and the inner workings of our political process. Rare archival material and interviews reveal the emotional pain and harmful effects of a closeted life, the relief of coming out and the triumph of love through the Congressman's historic same-sex marriage. Frank's journey is our country's journey, a classic American story about a dedicated public servant who never loses hope.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes87%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users95%
Director: Meg SmakerGenres: Documentary, Biography, Politics

Plot Summary

This documentary chronicles the remarkable life and career of Barney Frank, one of the longest-serving members of the U.S. House of Representatives. It delves into his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent voice in American politics, known for his sharp wit and progressive ideals. The film explores his key legislative battles, his personal life, and his impact on social and political movements.

Critical Reception

Compared To What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank was generally well-received by critics, who praised its insightful look into the life of a complex political figure. Reviewers highlighted Frank's candidness and the film's ability to capture his unique personality and political journey. Audiences appreciated the documentary's engaging narrative and its exploration of key moments in American political history.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intimate portrayal of Barney Frank's personal and political life.

  • Lauded for its engaging storytelling and Frank's own captivating presence.

  • Noted for providing a comprehensive look at a significant figure in modern American politics.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly approved of the documentary, frequently mentioning how insightful and well-made it was. Many appreciated the access granted to Barney Frank himself and found his story inspiring and thoroughly interesting.

Fun Fact

The documentary's title, 'Compared To What,' is a reference to a famous 1969 song by Les McCann and Eddie Harris, which Barney Frank has often cited as a personal anthem for its message of questioning the status quo.

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