Below the Line
Below the Line

Movie spotlight

Below the Line

2003
Movie
105 min
Croatian

A young man finds himself torn between the love for his girlfriend and his family's hardship.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes78%
Metacritic67/100
Google Users82%
Director: R.J. CutlerGenres: Documentary, Biography, Politics

Plot Summary

This documentary follows the 2004 presidential campaign of Howard Dean, a Democratic candidate who emerged as an early frontrunner. The film captures the grassroots energy and fervent support Dean generated, particularly among younger voters and progressives. It chronicles the highs and lows of his campaign, from his initial surge in popularity to his eventual defeat, offering an inside look at the mechanics of a modern political campaign.

Critical Reception

Below the Line was generally well-received by critics for its intimate portrayal of a political campaign and its focus on the grassroots movement. Reviewers often praised its insightful look into the realities of campaigning and the passion of Dean's supporters, although some found it to be overly sympathetic to its subject. Audiences were drawn to the film's portrayal of a more idealistic political movement.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its behind-the-scenes access to a presidential campaign.

  • Commended for capturing the passion of Howard Dean's grassroots supporters.

  • Noted for its intimate and sometimes sympathetic portrayal of the candidate.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's inside look at the 2004 campaign, highlighting its focus on grassroots enthusiasm and the unfiltered experience of political campaigning. Many found it to be an engaging and insightful documentary about a pivotal moment in recent American politics.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The documentary was filmed entirely during Howard Dean's 2004 presidential primary campaign, offering a real-time look at the events as they unfolded.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review