The Bad Patriots is not a bad documentary. Although I failed to connect with it, I can see where it comes from and what its director is trying to accomplish. It is well-edited, and the profiling of its two subjects allows the viewers to know what they’re getting themselves into. But my personal beliefs and life experiences are enough to prevent me from connecting with something as mediatic as Victor Fraga’s feature.
Social realist filmmaker Ken Loach and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn are the subjects of Fraga’s documentary. Actually, it’s not exactly a documentary but a well-edited interview in which punchlines are delivered as planned, and Fraga asks the right questions. At least for him and the ideology that he’s clearly following. Anyone who doesn’t care for leftist views better stay away. From the tiresome sarcasm to the snarky comments by all those on screen, this documentary is only set for those who are fascinated by Loach and Corbyn’s quests to install their way of thinking. Anything else is incorrect. Everything else is secondary.
The documentary navigates through their confrontations with the media, in which they have been censored. Yes, censorship is a harsh reality of our times, and yes, in a democracy, censorship shouldn’t exactly exist. And, as much as some acts are irresponsible in the eyes of the public, I have to admit that it’s infuriating to see some lines of thinking overshadowed or simply discarded. I know because the country where I was born was a victim of this. Ironically, that society is also one that’s thoroughly celebrated by those portrayed as heroes. Not in the film, of course, that would be absurd. But in the ideology that it loudly celebrates. It is the undeniable reason why I believe it isn’t very objective.
Then again, it’s not a political statement. Fraga’s feature works as a worthy document about two quite important figures. Loach heavily tilts toward socialism-related themes with his movies, and Corbyn is more of a “bad boy” that makes stable governments uncomfortable. Their conversation is interesting because their ideas are attractive. The problem is that, when put into practice, most of them vanish. The movie works if it’s considered a depiction of intellectuals pointing out what they believe in, but when it tries to be funny, it loses some steam.
Reviewing movies demands objectivity. It’s the only way I can differentiate big studio films from independent low-budget productions and mention what’s good about them both. If a documentary gives a voice to those I don’t agree with, I will find a reason to listen. It’s the least I can do for a filmmaker’s attempt to express himself. This expression, sarcastically titled The Bad Patriots, is not a bad movie. It’s just one I don’t agree with.
Film critic. Lover of all things horror. Member of the OFCS. RT Approved Critic.
