No, you’re not confused, a Sarah Palin documentary is already making its way around the country, the hagiographic, softball portrait “The Undefeated,” a grassroots sensation — or so the producers want you to believe — though in actuality, no one really cares all that much. Nevertheless, despite what you may think of her, it’s undeniable that Palin is an intriguing political figure, someone who has managed to rally a huge group of followers who do have some impact on the discourse of the nation, no matter how misinformed and ridiculous that discourse is. And while “The Undefeated” is being pitched right to her core, controversial filmmaker Nick Broomfield has teamed with Joan Churchill to offer a response.
With a premiere at TIFF in the cards, a clip has hit from “Sarah Palin — You Betcha!” and unfortunately it seems to be quite problematic. In the piece, Broomfield crashes a Q&A and while he rightfully points out the inconsistencies in what Palin says versus the facts on the record he can’t help but shout out a question to Palin herself, asking if she thinks here political career is over. Broomfield seems to be operating with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, and in a time when partisan politics are already petty and personal, the tack he’s taking doesn’t seem constructive nor does it really offer much in the way of insight.
It’s an odd choice for a first clip from a film that promises interviews with Palin’s parents, friends, colleagues and folks like ex-legislative director John Bitney and ex-brother-in-law Mike Wooten, and makes us wonder how substantial those conversations were. But perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised, as Broomfield’s style has never been particularly graceful. Anyway, it’s compelling nonetheless, so check it out below.