by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
How few people have truly changed Hollywood forever? You can go through the history of film and pinpoint a select few figures who have changed things in a widespread way. Many of them are in the studios or behind the cameras. But there are a few acting talents who have shaped things. The Brandos… the De Niros… the Hepburns. They all set a giant imprint on the film industry. But few individuals had such a drastically revolutionizing presence as Sidney Poitier.
Can a single documentary wrangle the monumental impact of Poitier into one film? Apple TV+, director Reginald Hudlin, and producer Oprah Winfrey attempt to do this with the new film, Sidney. There are countless documentaries that have highlighted the lives and careers of such powerful people. Very few of them have transcended this medium to deliver a truly unique experience. Where Moonage Daydream about David Bowie is abstract and atmospheric as it presents a musical symphony of energy, Sidney comes nowhere close to offering up such a unique presentation. What it does offer is a classy retelling of Poitier’s life and career. We hear plenty from the man himself, which is an exciting prospect. His contemporaries gush over his legacy. The film does not avoid the Wikipedia-like retelling of his life, and some of the collaborators feel a bit cynical (like the producer putting themselves in the film throughout).
What do our commentators add to the proceedings? Morgan Freeman gives a dynamic perspective as someone whose career probably would never become what it is without the trailblazing done by Poitier. Denzel Washington is a similar figure in that regard, but he does bring some reality to some of the narrative beats (he throws a fun barb right at Harry Belafonte). Trailblazing director Spike Lee even brings his unique brand of personality, which adds layers and some entertainment value. The bare minimum is that we have an entertaining and engaged crew of commentators, and they raise that bar with their experience and perspective. The archival interview footage of Poitier is moving and poignant, which adds so much to the film when it could use it.
Does the film do justice to Poitier’s great story? From a feeling perspective and with heart… yes. We feel the impact he made on all the people involved (I could have done without Oprah being in the film, but she does offer up a singular moment that is quite moving). We see the energy and impact of his Oscar win back in 1964. We feel his line delivery of, “They call me… Mr… Tibbs” as they talk about In the Heat of the Night. But when it comes down to it, this is a simple, linear narrative that does read like the summary section from an encyclopedia.
Even if it is not a bold and groundbreaking film in the world of documentaries, is Sidney still a worthwhile experience to undertake? Yes. This is the kind of documentary that can make such an impact on young people. It is informative and offers up its share of emotional impact. Don’t let this beautiful film fall to the wayside. Tell others about it and see the trendsetting impact one person can have on the whole of society.
Score: 7/10
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