Trudell (2005)

Trudell is a doc on John Trudell, the Native American activist, poet, recording artist & sometimes actor. Salutary in the extreme, we come to know him, his myth & his politics but the filmmakers support of the man comes at the expense of objectivity that a good documentary demands. Brilliant man, flawed presentation.

I learned about racism thus: I was stretched out on a porch on a bright summer day (very possibly reading a comic book, though I can't say for sure at this late date). A black kid came cruising along on a bicycle. As he passed our house, I got up and went to the rail to watch him. He was moving fast, going downhill, and there was some question in my mind as to whether or not he would manage to maintain control of his bike as he reached the intersection at the bottom of the hill. He glanced over, saw me, and gave me the most hateful look I'd ever seen. "What you lookin' at, you White Cracker?" Momentarily nonplussed, I nonetheless responded in kind: "I'm lookin' at you- Graham Cracker!" He swung the bike around and I beat a hasty retreat indoors. When I asked my mother what a "White Cracker" was, she explained the Facts of Life to me. As it turns out, I'm part Irish and part Cherokee (50/50, or thereabouts). When I see something like TRUDELL, it resonates. It's just a matter of degree.

I saw this film at the East Lansing Film Festival in the Spring of 2005, where Mr. Trudell spoke at Michigan State University. Mr. Trudell is a very engaging person, and whether or not you agree with his ideas or beliefs, it is quite interesting to listen to him speak. He is very frank about the fact that what he is saying is how he feels, and that it may not be the way you feel.The situation and treatment of Natives in the US can be a very polarizing issue, and I feel that this film helps define one persons feelings about the plight of the Natives in the US. The film is informative without becoming overly melodramatic. It will definitely spark a conversation after viewing! I highly recommend seeing this film.

I think Trudell was one of the best movies I have seen as far as true life . The man speaks from the heart and his intelligence of things to come have been so right on the money.I have followed John for many many years in his music and his poetry.I have gone to many of his readings in California to the films debut in Colorado, and then again in North Carolina. I think he is highly Intelligent and a very gifted man. He speaks from the heart, and moves your soul and mind to think. I will see it again if the chance arises, and will purchase it should it ever be released .I took several of my friends who had never heard John, and both came out of the theater looking as if they had been struck with lightening .They understood what I had talked about for years when I spoke of him or they heard his music.They have become true John fans.And I must agree with them.