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Tell Them Who You Are

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Tell Them Who You Are (2005)

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Reviews Counted:63

Fresh:55

Rotten:8

Average Rating:7.5/10

Consensus: The dysfunctional interaction between director and subject is fascinating, poignant, and revealing of both men and of father-son relationships in general.

Rated: R [See Full Rating] for language and some sexual images

Runtime: 1 hr 35 mins

Genre: Education/General Interest

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... 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]

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

Starring: Haskell Wexler, Mark Wexler, Milos Forman, George Lucas, Jane Fonda, Julia Roberts, Michael Douglas, Conrad Hall, Dennis Hopper

Director: Mark Wexler

Director: Mark Wexler
Producer: Mark Wexler
Studio: ThinkFilm

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Release:

Oct 16, 2005

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Reviews for Tell Them Who You Are

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

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

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Time Out New York | comment Comment
08/16/07
Dave Calhoun
Dave Calhoun
Time Out New York

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

Full Review Source: Associated Press | comment Comment
03/06/07
Christy Lemire
Christy Lemire
Associated Press
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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

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

Click to read the article

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

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Guardian [UK] | comment Comment
06/03/06
Andrew Pulver
Andrew Pulver
Guardian [UK]

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 Source: Empire Magazine | comment Comment
06/02/06
David Parkinson
David Parkinson
Empire Magazine

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

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

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Combustible Celluloid | comment Comment
05/26/06
Jeffrey M. Anderson
Jeffrey M. Anderson
Combustible Celluloid

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

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

a rare film of startling sincerity

Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com | comment Comment
10/19/05
Chris Cabin
Chris Cabin
Filmcritic.com

[A] tremendously moving documentary.

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

A unique and luminous achievement.

Full Review Source: MTV | comment Comment
10/13/05
Kurt Loder
Kurt Loder
MTV

Equal parts fan mail and home video from Hell, Tell Them Who You Are is a fascinating piece of father-son psychotherapy à la Hollywood.

Full Review Source: Boston Phoenix | comment Comment
10/13/05
Mattias Frey
Mattias Frey
Boston Phoenix
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: AV Club | comment Comment
09/26/05
AV Club

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

Full Review Source: Deseret News, Salt Lake City | comment Comment
09/09/05
Jeff Vice
Jeff Vice
Deseret News, Salt Lake City

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 Source: Salt Lake Tribune | comment Comment
09/09/05
Sean Means
Sean Means
Salt Lake Tribune

An opportunity missed

Full Review Source: Urban Cinefile | comment Comment
08/30/05
Urban Cinefile Critics
Urban Cinefile Critics
Urban Cinefile

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

Full Review Source: Orlando Weekly | comment Comment
08/18/05
Steve Schneider
Steve Schneider
Orlando Weekly

A real gem of a film.

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