Carville’s Political Influence Explored in New Documentary

Documentary Filmmaking and Political Climate: A New Perspective

In a fortuitous twist, documentary filmmaker Matt Tyrnauer found himself capturing a pivotal conversation with the renowned political analyst James Carville in May 2023. This discussion unfolded just as a national poll surfaced, indicating that likely voters favored former President Donald J. Trump over President Joe Biden by a staggering seven percentage points. “It knocked me right off my horse,” Mr. Carville remarked in the film, highlighting the shock of the moment.

This revelation ignited a fierce 18-month campaign led by Mr. Carville, pushing for Mr. Biden to reconsider his candidacy in the upcoming presidential race. “At 79, I knew the ins and outs of the job, and I had a platform,” Mr. Carville reflected in a recent interview. “I felt an obligation to act, as if I didn’t have another choice.”

For Mr. Tyrnauer, the situation was equally pressing. The focus of his film had initially been on Mr. Carville’s extensive 30-year career as a prominent political consultant. However, the unfolding political drama prompted a shift towards documenting Mr. Carville’s attempts to influence the trajectory of the presidential election and Mr. Biden’s eventual decision regarding his candidacy.

This week, the culmination of their efforts, titled “Carville: Winning Is Everything, Stupid!”, is set to premiere at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival. This event is notable for showcasing 15 compelling documentary films, many of which tackle pressing contemporary issues. Taking place over Labor Day weekend amidst the stunning San Juan Mountains of Colorado, the festival serves as a key gathering for Hollywood insiders and often foreshadows the upcoming fall awards season.

• “Zurawski v Texas”, directed by Maisie Crow and Abbie Perrault, follows the tireless efforts of attorney Molly Duane from the Center for Reproductive Rights as she combats a Texas law that restricts healthcare options for pregnant women. The lead plaintiff, Amanda Zurawski, along with her husband, Josh, recently shared their poignant story onstage at the Democratic National Convention.
• “Separated”, directed by the acclaimed Errol Morris (known for “The Fog of War”), delves into the controversial U.S. border family-separation policy implemented during the Trump administration.
• “No Other Land” is a collaborative effort between a Palestinian activist and an Israeli journalist, providing an insightful look into the daily realities faced by a West Bank village under Israeli occupation.