Movies that Deserved Better: 'Jimmy Carter: Man From Plains' (2006)

     First and foremost, may the late, great President Jimmy Carter rest in peace knowing that his legacy is now finally being appreciated. In 2006, I watched 'Jimmy Carter: Man from Plains' in awe as a President of the United States that I felt connected to despite being born many years after his tenure continued to bring light to the world. An icon on many levels, the film focuses on the President "on the promotional tour for his 2006 book "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid." From small towns to network talk shows, Carter offers his views on the Middle East peace process while contending with a media machine that frequently distorts those views. While critics condemn his comparison of the situation in Palestine to the apartheid of South Africa, Carter responds to their barbs with beguiling equanimity and customary thoughtfulness." Unfortunately, the film has been less seen since then, which is a downright shame as it currently holds at 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. but what did the critics say?

   Ronnie Scheib of Variety says, "The story that emerges, illustrated with footage from the time, delivers a surprising lesson in the importance of small details and the ultimate power of negotiation."

Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash

   Roger Ebert of Chicago Sun-Times notes, "The fact is that Jimmy Carter is an immensely good man, as far as I can tell from Demme’s film and everything else I know about him. One reason to see this film might be to learn more about his views on the Middle East, but a better reason might be to observe how he attends to the privilege and responsibility of doing what he believes is the right thing. It cannot be a pleasure, the never-ending round of airports, buses, taxis, hotel rooms and interviews. He doesn’t make things easy on himself by accepting the use of private jets, and he waits in line along with everyone else. He doesn’t accept fees for speeches. I think he flies first class more because of the Secret Service than his own insistence." Adding, "I don’t see any ego-gratification going on. He seems to believe he is doing his duty, and if I am ever 83, or 73, I hope I can find the same energy and dedication in my own little sphere. I saw this film for the first time in September at the Toronto Film Festival. On the same day, I read a news story about the new book Dead Certain by John Draper, in which President George W. Bush confided some of his plans for retirement. Bush told Draper: “I’ll give some speeches to replenish the ol’ coffers — I don’t know what my dad gets; it’s more than $50,000-$75,000 per speech — Clinton’s making a lot of money.” In another interview, Bush noted Clinton’s recent work with the U.N. and said that after he retired, “You won’t catch me hanging around the U.N.” I wrote about that in my report from Toronto, closing with the reflection that everyone should choose the retirement plan that is right for him."

    As an adult, I will forever remember the man that just connected so easily with those around him and made his White House retirement something that was not only commendable but inspiring. To think of everything he accomplished within his life, I can only imagine that politicians and non-politicians alike must be feeling like under-achievers.