Usually, unforeseen happenings are what make successful documentaries. Steve James had no idea his three-week commitment to "Hoop Dreams" would uncover enough pathos to warrant an eight-year journey. "Dear Zachary" isn't like this. Kuenne's concept is sunk, his title doesn't make sense, there's no fucking point.
I make it sound as if "Dear Zachary" is about Kuenne. It is when it has to be, but it starts out as a eulogy for his good (best?) friend Andrew Bagby.* Kuenne's extensive adolescent filmography features the charismatic Bagby. He easily finds scores of friends from Bagby's life to discuss him on camera.
Andrew was murdered in 2001 by ex-girlfriend Shirley Turner. Extant footage of their relationship shows her as crude, demanding, and retroactively psychotic. She fled to Newfoundland, where she was supported by a sinuous extradition court and appeals process. And, oh yeah, she announced--at a press conference, no kidding--that she was pregnant with Andrew's son, Zachary.
At the time of filming, Andrew's parents must share custody of Zachary with Turner, murderer out on bail. Kate and David show an unparallelled fortitude, moving to Newfoundland and having to interact with Turner daily. Kuenne tailors his documentary to Zachary, forming a collage of his friends' memories of his late father.
And then...the idea of a "spoiler" seems insignificant for "Dear Zachary." But just think of the worst thing that could happen. This film works outside of any labels--true crime, documentary, remembrance, incrimination. It's touched by pure evil.
*Andrew is a generous, gregarious personality who would probably be called "best friend" by a few dozen guys.
1 comment:
I didn't understand a majority of your review so I checked it out on Netflix and it was available for instant watch, so I watched it.
Now I understand. I cried and bawled my eyes out over this movie. It completely broke my heart. Now I understand why you had to post a picture of a baby hedgehog.
Kate and David are extraordinary people.
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