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Tell Them Who You Are

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Tell Them Who You Are (2005)

86%
86%
100%
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86 %
Reviews Counted: 63 Fresh: 54  Rotten:9 Average Rating: 7.4/10
 
Consensus: The dysfunctional interaction between director and subject is fascinating, poignant, and revealing of both men and of father-son relationships in general.
 

How does the Tomatometer work?

The Tomatometer measures the percentage of positive reviews from Approved Tomatometer Critics for a certain movie.[-]

Runtime: 1 hr 35 mins

Theatrical Release: May 20, 2005 Limited

Synopsis: The work of acclaimed cinematographer Haskell Wexler has delighted cinema-goers for the greater part of his astonishing life. Two Oscars, for WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOLF and BOUND FOR GLORY, are just the tip of the iceberg, for Haskell has worked with many of the all-time greats in the... The work of acclaimed cinematographer Haskell Wexler has delighted cinema-goers for the greater part of his astonishing life. Two Oscars, for WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOLF and BOUND FOR GLORY, are just the tip of the iceberg, for Haskell has worked with many of the all-time greats in the business. Some of these figures--most notably, Milos Foreman and George Lucas--are featured in this documentary, which is directed by his son, Mark Wexler. Although most are generous with their praise, it becomes clear that Haskell is a rambunctious, obstinate character whose interactions with Mark during the filmmaking process offer the greatest insight into his personality. Despite being 82-years-old at the time of shooting, Haskell still retains all his critical faculties, and loves to berate his son, whose right-wing political leanings are a constant source of chagrin for his liberal father. Mark's agility as a director allows him to steer the film through wildly different subject matter, such as Haskell's work as a director on MEDIUM COOL; his firing from prominent features such as ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (at the behest of the FBI according to Haskell--a claim that is refuted by everyone else involved); and Mark's own boisterous relationship with his dad. As endlessly fascinating anecdotes pour from the screen, this father and son laugh, cry, argue, and fight, then indulge in bizarre, strained attempts at bonding which include going on a peace protest together, interviewing Jane Fonda and Julia Roberts, and pointing cameras at one other. An unflinching, sometimes painfully personal film, TELL THEM WHO YOU ARE is an anomalous foray into the world of documentary filmmaking. [More]

Genre: Education/General Interest

Starring: Haskell Wexler, Mark Wexler, Milos Forman, George Lucas, Jane Fonda

Director: Mark Wexler
Producer: Mark Wexler

DVD Info

Release:

Oct 24, 2006

[DVD Details]

DVD Features:

  • Keep Case

Audio:

  • (unspecified) - English

Buy It On DVD

Reviews

 
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1 - 20 (sorted by date)
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Ratings Image
4/5

Tell Them Who You Are radiates dignity, the unusual warmth given off by the frustration of trying to know someone.

Full Review | comment Comment
06/05/08
Robert Davis
Paste Magazine
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review | comment Comment
08/16/07
Dave Calhoun
Time Out New York
Ratings Image
N/A

This isn't to say the picture is without merit as it's amusing to watch famous people describe a man they can barely conceal their distaste for.

Full Review | comment Comment
06/28/07
Kevin Koehler
Pretentious Musings
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N/A

It works as a portrait of a father-son relationship that’s awkward, volatile, uneven and always painfully real.

Full Review | comment Comment
03/06/07
Christy Lemire
Associated Press
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3.5/4

In the end this is a great movie about a filmmaker. It's also a great movie about fathers and sons.

Full Review | comment Comment
07/28/06
Robert W. Butler
Kansas City Star
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review | comment Comment
06/24/06
Time Out
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review | comment Comment
06/03/06
Andrew Pulver
Guardian [UK]
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3/5

A desperately sad look at two men whose determination to rebel against their heritage and succeed in their artform has rendered them unable to communicate. Compelling stuff, though.

Full Review | comment Comment
06/02/06
David Parkinson
Empire Magazine
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4/5

With dad calling junior's filmmaking skills into question at every turn, this is a fascinating blend of fact and friction.

Full Review | comment Comment
05/30/06
Matthew Leyland
BBC
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review | comment Comment
05/26/06
Jeffrey M. Anderson
Combustible Celluloid
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3.5/4

What we really get from son Mark's unusual take is a sterling movie about fathers (especially famous fathers) and offspring.

Full Review | comment Comment
11/22/05
Mike Clark
USA Today
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
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4/5

a rare film of startling sincerity

Full Review | comment Comment
10/19/05
Chris Cabin
Filmcritic.com
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N/A

[A] tremendously moving documentary.

Full Review | comment Comment
10/13/05
Ken Tucker
New York Magazine
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
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N/A

A unique and luminous achievement.

Full Review | comment Comment
10/13/05
Kurt Loder
MTV
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review | comment Comment
09/26/05
Onion AV Club
Ratings Image
3/4

The subject is a fascinating one, and the film is worth watching just to see how impressive Wexler's career has been.

Full Review | comment Comment
09/09/05
Jeff Vice
Deseret News, Salt Lake City
Ratings Image
3.5/4

More than a Hollywood profile, it becomes a filmmaker's effort to figure out how he relates, personally and professionally, to his famous father.

Full Review | comment Comment
09/09/05
Sean Means
Salt Lake Tribune
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N/A

An opportunity missed

Full Review | comment Comment
08/30/05
Urban Cinefile Critics
Urban Cinefile
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N/A

Unlike countless other bad-dad pictures, Tell Them moves gradually and elegantly toward a reconciliation that isn't too maudlin or forced.

Full Review | comment Comment
08/18/05
Steve Schneider
Orlando Weekly
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4/5

A real gem of a film.

Full Review | comment Comment
08/18/05
Roger Moore
Orlando Sentinel
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