Jimmy Carter Man from Plains (2007)

A chronicle of the former president's tour recent for his book "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid."

Director:

Jonathan Demme

Writer:

Jonathan Demme

Stars:

Lillian Carter, Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter

3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lillian Carter	...	Herself (archive footage)
Jimmy Carter	...	Himself
Rosalynn Carter	...	Herself
Elizabeth Hayes	...	Herself
Terry Gross	...	Herself
Carolyn Cole	...	Herself - LA Times
Josh Getlin	...	Himself - LA Times
Jane Ammeson	...	Herself - Chicago Tribune
David Rosenthal	...	Himself - Simon and Schuster
Carolyn Reidy	...	Herself - Simon and Schuster
Charlie Rose	...	Himself
Diane Rehm	...	Herself
Wolf Blitzer	...	Himself
Laura Ertmer	...	Herself - intern
Remington Byer	...	Himself - intern

Storyline

Late in 2006, President Jimmy Carter tours the U.S. promoting his provocative "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid." Demme's camera follows Carter from city to city, home to Plains (population 635), visiting a Habitat for Humanity site in New Orleans, and talking on radio and TV with Teri Gross, Charlie Rose, Diane Rehm, Jay Leno, Larry King, Wolf Blitzer, Tavis Smiley, and Al Jazeera and Israeli pundits, discussing Palestine's plight and the policies of Israel. Critics speak as well. Between events, Carter talks about Camp David, recent travels, being married, speaking Spanish, and wisdom he learned from Rachel Clark, his nanny. A montage of speeches, awards, and travels ends the film.

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Plot Keywords:

palestine | travel | apartheid | president | peace | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Biography

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some thematic elements and brief disturbing images

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 August 2008 (UK)

Also Known As:

He Comes in Peace

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$10,413 (USA) (26 October 2007)

Gross:

$108,282 (USA) (15 February 2008)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Armian Pictures, Clinica Estetico, Participant Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

125 min 120 min

Sound Mix:

DTS SDDS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Episode dated 3 November 2007 (2007)

User Reviews

Too long, too complicated

Jonathan Demme makes a misstep in this documentary with the former president. I believe that Jimmy Carter's advocacy of peace is sincere. But this film in support of the controversial book does nothing to advocate his position nor incite any discussion.

Demme's film leaves us with no legacy or message. We simply aren't provided enough content to understand the former president's position. Over two hours was spent watching Carter enter and exit limousines and hotel rooms. More time is spent watching Cater sign books than explaining the controversial Palestinian policies.

Former Vice President, Al Gore, made complex facts simple and digestible in his film. Unfortunately, President Carter made a complex situation and the associated politics even more distant. Carter and Demme, both articulate men, did not get a message across. Don't waste your time.