The Mayor (2011) User Reviews

An original, effective, and enthralling character study

[jaredknight · 10/10 · 13 November 2011]

Just had a chance to catch this documentary at the Lone Star International Film Festival and was completely blown away! Whereas many documentaries might exploit real people in order to create an intriguing story, this film lets the characters' authenticity drive the story to hilarious, eye-opening, and heart-breaking conclusions. The Mayor's title character, Sam Berger, proves that living in a nursing home can be everything but boring, and that living your life to the fullest will keep you young. The whole cast of characters that live in this nursing home are engaging and entertaining.

I never thought that a nursing home could be so interesting of a subject, and this documentary demonstrates otherwise.

Easily one of the best docs I have seen in recent years, and I believe it will go on to bigger and better things. Highly recommended. 10/10

Jared Scheib movie - a big hit, revealing a unique world

[dougknott · 10/10 · 13 November 2012]

This excellent, moving, even inspirational film by Jared Scheib rocked me in an unexpected quiet quarter. I had imagined a depiction of a brash, rollicking larger-than-life character, king of his old-age home, and instead got a portrait of a genial, philosophic man (Sam Berger) in his late 80's and an entrée into a human world inside the home, which seemed to house about 40 individuals, which revealed a sub-culture and continuing process of life I had never seen.

Scheib's movie is the best depiction I've ever seen of the actual lives of very old people, lived apart from society. Provoking the oldsters with questions about sex, he achieves an amazing rapport with them and an output of personal information that showed me – well, life as we know it just "goes on" til it stops. I mean, some people are in wheelchairs, the ambulance and hearse show up at the front door all the time, and the residents and their cheerful "Mayor" just keep up living their confined lives to the fullest. What else can they (we) do?

My grandparents certainly never discussed their sex lives, their petty quarrels, and the eternal human search for love - with me. Most active, younger people simply do not want to know what goes on in these quarters where folks who are simply too old to function in society live together. Why? It's scary for us, this "old age and death" thing. Also the old folks are not active players we can rely on or relate to. We mostly want to know: "Is Grandma (pa) OK?" and that's sufficient.

Scheib knocks down the barriers of convention. He achieves an entrance into this arcane world through his now-deceased grandmother Dorothy, herself a stalwart, intellectually clear character who makes a great counter-point to the easy-going Sam, the "Mayor." We watch the course of a touching romance Sam has with another home-dweller. As perhaps "comic relief," Scheib also expertly interposes an elderly married couple who are constantly sniping at each other. We see this is their affectionate routine, maybe their survival. All the characters are fully rendered due to his easy, open relationship with them as subjects.

This innovative film is supported by terrific cinematography and editing, also by Scheib, a recent USC film graduate. All the visual images were satisfying and clear. I left the theatre thinking not only had I learned a great deal I hadn't know about (ahem) life – but also that I'd seen a dynamic, revealing, very modern movie.

Excellent and Engaging Documentary on Life in old age

[gordon-bh · 10/10 · 15 November 2012]

I loved this documentary. And to be honest, I didn't know what to expect going into it, and not necessarily having an interest in the elderly, I debated with myself about whether or not to go. Fortunately, I did choose to go and I was blown away by how transfixing the story was. Not only was it did it have a great story line that followed a character that was delightful on screen(Sam), but it was also full of humor and heartfelt moments. The reality of death and those left behind was documented with care and respect. I was constantly amazed by the vulnerability of the characters with the intimate stories that they shared. You could see that such a trust was built during the creation of the film between the film-maker and the characters. I think the true value of this film comes from the vulnerability of the characters and their comfortability to share with the film maker what they are really feeling and thinking. This film not only makes me respect older people more, but also get kind of excited to become one one day.

A fascinating glance into the world of the elders as I've never imagined!

[inballevavi · 6 November 2011]

The Mayor" presents, in a funny way, the life of the elders as I have never imagined- gossip, sex talks, flirting, dating, drama and hedonism. It is noticeable, throughout the movie, how the elders try to have a "one last sweet bite of of life" before it ends, thus allowing themselves be a little bit of teenagers again. The main character- Berger, illustrates this with his mischievous, arrogant and playful personality. It is interesting to see his daily adventures (that mostly surround women), asides his difficult physical condition and the deaths of other elders. "The Mayor" also makes you wonder about the challenges of a documentary movie- how the camera changes the way people act, and what they choose to present...

Highly recommended!!

Must share

[herold4 · 10/10 · 11 November 2012]

I could not wait to share this movie with my girlfriend. What an inspiring story of a man who makes the most of his life. This movie has depth that few movies have. Sam Berger is an 88 year old living at a retirement home in Dallas. He is very charismatic and pursues the women at the retirement home. He is not manipulative, but he does seem to have a way with the women there. I think he is the perfect example of how one can enjoy life when they get old. I hope to get a copy of the DVD and share it with my family and girlfriend as soon as possible. It seems that few elderly people are able to see that the true beauty of life is the relationships we form and the attitude we have. Jared Scheib even said that Sam's attitude is what made his such a magnetic character.

Intriguing inside look at the lives of seniors

[grossdpg · 10/10 · 5 October 2012]

I saw this film at the Dallas VideoFest in September. As a young adult without grandparents, it was fascinating to get a behind-the-scenes look at what life is like in old age - both the ups and the downs, though it was largely ups. I really enjoyed the balanced perspective there. I also thought the characters were very well cast and honestly portrayed, which gave the film an air of credibility that I wasn't sure it would have.

To top it off, the Sam (the main character) was there in the audience. Suffice it to say he made his presence known!

I'd highly recommend The Mayor to anyone in my age group (which you could call 21-35).

Moving and Insightful

[thealan-cinema · 10/10 · 24 January 2012]

"The Mayor" was a very entertaining documentary. I was quickly sucked in by the protagonist's, Sam, charm. His active lifestyle showed me age doesn't matter when trying to have a good time. All of the people in the film are vibrant with their own stories of humor and tragedy. It has been a couple of months since my last viewing of this film and I still think about some of the people in "The Mayor". The film is like an MTV reality show, but actually feels real. There are no gimmicks to keep you watching, just the connection you have with the characters.

This film deserves to be seen if only to remind everyone of a forgotten group of people ignored by many, but still having a great time.

The secret lives of old people

[MLWhy · 10/10 · 21 December 2012]

What a humanizing, funny and sad portrait of life. This documentary shows the octogenarian cast as people, rather than stereotypes or tropes, and it made me realize that's so often how I see the elderly. The movie doesn't assuage any fears you may as a viewer have about getting old and death. But it does portray the people in our midst who think about it more often than many of us, and how they behave in their day-to-day lives. The cast is so different from the non-elderly in some obvious ways, but it also shows similarities and flaws we all share, and it's done in a way that's respectful and true. It's a great movie, and I look forward to more from this director.

A witty, honest, life-affirming portrait of a community we often ignore.

[destindaniel-1 · 9/10 · 26 June 2012]

From the moment Sam fired out the opening lines of this doc, I knew I was going to love it. It truly was one of the most genuine, funny, endearing, raw, unapologetic portrayals of a retirement home I've ever seen. The characters are surprisingly candid on screen, often engaging in extremely personal conversations as if the camera isn't in the room. The story zips between hilarious one-liners that Woody Allen would have been proud to pen, and intimate personal reflections that will make the coldest of cynics re-evaluate their current relationships and role in the world. As a 30-year-old viewer, I couldn't help wondering what kind of person I will be in 50 years, what memories I'll be holding onto, what relationships I'll be most thankful for. If you get the opportunity, sit down and watch this movie. It seeps into your skin and leaves you pondering well beyond the credit roll.

Riveting Documentary about the Elderly? It's only weird if it doesn't work...

[nyjennie · 10/10 · 3 December 2012]

And it works. It's fantastic and fascinating and touching and poignant and important to see because, well, maybe it's a how to book for our futures. Or a users-guide for anyone with elderly family. The Mayor challenges you as the viewer to confront your own feelings and insecurities at the thought of growing older. A scene detailing Sam's preparations for the day reaches deep inside you emotionally and requires you to bear witness to the differences between a the young and vibrant population you currently belong to, and your future. The topic of loss is presented delicately, honestly and respectfully. If a society is judged based on how it treats its elderly and infirmed, then I hope this film is exhibit A. Because we're then judged on a presentation that treats our elderly with the highest regard. Bravo!

Very moving -- highly recommend it!

[jordanknightkaye · 10/10 · 3 July 2012]

This documentary shines an eye-opening light onto an age in every life that often does not have enough recognition and is rarely talked about. A beautiful perspective from a hilarious yet realistic Sam Berger provides very real insight into life in a nursing home. The director allows you to place yourself within each moment with the careful attention to detail, facial expressions, and quotes. Hopeful and heart-breaking at the same time, this documentary shows lovely detail on a destination at which some of us may very well arrive.If this is somewhere I may end up in my future, I look forward to it.

Overall an extremely moving story, very highly recommended!

Gives an entertaining voice to a misunderstood population

[brittneycdias · 9/10 · 31 August 2022]

The Mayor is really entertaining! It's such an interesting concept- looking at the dating lives of elderly people living in assisted living. I really like it because I think like many groups, this is a population that is often stereotyped and misunderstood. I think a lot of younger people believe that life stops being fun in later years, but as The Mayor shows, life brings lots of drama- no matter your age!

Sam, the main character, is hilarious. He by far has the best lines. Like when he's explaining his type at the beginning of the film and explaining why he doesn't like taking Viagra. The one couple that talked on and on about how they weren't attracted to each other anymore has me dead 😆 When Sam and his girlfriend got into an argument it was funny but relatable. I think it emphasizes what I mentioned earlier- how older people living in retirement homes are just normal people who go through the same kinds of dating experiences that they did when they were younger.

The film has a good balance of humor and wisdom. When Sam is reflecting on his marriage and how he misses his wife, it is definitely sobering. The portion that stuck out to me the most was when he was talking about how the memories of his wife fade with time. I've always looked at memory loss as a very depressing thing, but as he said, maybe it's better we don't remember everything.

Overall the film is awesome. It challenges stereotypes and brings out so much drama from a place so unexpected. Would for sure recommend it.

Excellent, excellent movie.

[TriggerJerk · 9/10 · 18 November 2012]

I saw this last night at our Erie Art Museum's Wednesday night film series. From the trailer, I was prepared for a funny movie about an elderly horn dog chasing the widows around the cafeteria. What I saw was a funny, touching glimpse into a side of a retirement home where cameras rarely visit.

These were actual, genuine people, not roughly drawn caricatures. Most had flaws, and no attempt was made to gloss over them. It turned into a view into the personalities of the (non) actors, and had me wondering how they had to come to be there, in, as Sam said, "This, to me, is paradise. Paradise" Quite a far cry from the comedy I had expected. If you have the chance, I highly recommend it.

And did you notice that the director Jared Scheib is only 26 years young? And remember, this movie was made about four years ago? Remarkable.

The sole reason for my not giving the full 10 score is that I wish it were longer than 58 minutes. I would enjoy a longer look at these rapidly fading marvels, and admire their fascinating lives.

A must see Documentary, eye opening, hilarious, and you'll be crying like a baby.

[slug001 · 10/10 · 4 December 2012]

What a great documentary, got to see it at its east coast premiere...I think? Anyway, great pacing, tight editing, absolutely hilarious, tugs hard at the heart strings, amazing moments of life captured, and I came out of it a changed man.

I've never had to hold back the tears harder (and failed) then I did with this movie. One of the best documentaries I've seen for quite sometime, I would rank it up there with Man on Wire and Dear Zachery. Documentary film making at its best, you cant go wrong with The Mayor.

Highly suggest seeking this one out.

Spoiler alert, the cute little old polish lady is the COOLEST! (at least i think she was polish)

A Nuanced Portrait Of One's Golden Years

[ThatBigBlackGuy · 10/10 · 19 May 2012]

It's often a foregone conclusion that the older people get, the further behind them their best years recede.

In "The Mayor", director Jared Scheib's feature documentary debut, Sam Berger and a cast of fellow senior citizens provide ample evidence that while the mile markers in the rear-view mirror may be many and the sun may be setting, there's still plenty of road ahead for those with the drive to continue the journey.

Filmed in a retirement community in Dallas, Texas, "The Mayor" follows the titular mayor, Sam, and his peers while yielding glimpses of the retirees' day-to-day lives.

From relationships and breakfast-table gossip to the difficulty of waking and preparing to meet the day, the insights we view through the camera's lens range from mundane to uncomfortable, from hilarious to heartbreaking.

"The Mayor" is an unequivocally stirring and poignant piece about growing older that moved me to tears more than once.

I would recommend it to any fan of cinéma vérité filmmaking, engaging observations on humanity, and charming characters.

10 out of 10.

Super Awesome

[jamicalfee · 9/10 · 15 December 2012]

I'm not sure what I was anticipating from The Mayor. I guess I was expecting to laugh at some old folks saying some silly things and then go home, entertained. I did laugh, in actuality, very much, but there's so much more to it than that. The Mayor is deeply moving and thought provoking. It makes you consider what's important in life, what it will be like to take care of an aging loved one, and what it will be like to become elderly yourself. When it's funny, it is side-splitting. When it's touching, it does more than bring tears to your eyes. This film moves something deep within and makes for great conversation. Highly recommended!

Two thumbs up for "The Mayor"

[mandy-smith13 · 8/10 · 18 May 2012]

"The Mayor" offers an entertaining and insightful view into the lives of elders who have taken being young at heart to a whole new level. Who would have guessed that a retirement community in Texas could hold such a diverse, rich and intriguing cast of characters. The documentary skillfully depicts the ups and downs of getting older and contemplates the true meaning of companionship. Sam takes you on a journey that swings from boisterous laughter to heartfelt tears in a matter of moments. By the end of the film you'll consider yourself a constituent of the Mayor's community of friends and lovers and find yourself second-guessing what you thought you knew about getting older. The characters are bold, the anecdotes are touching, and the film will leave you wanting to call your grandparents and ask about all the stories you've never been told!

One of the best documentaries I have ever seen

[kathrynjohncox · 10/10 · 9 December 2012]

Documentaries are my favorite types of films, but just like all other movies, it's easy to forgo a learning experience for entertainment that's more easy to digest. In a world of reality TV, special effects, and shock factors, I am always grateful for a true piece of art that takes me into a new era, where the story is so excellent that it doesn't need the embellishments today's audience expect from films.

After waiting several years to see this film, I finally watched it with my parents, who are in their mid-50s. I never cry during movies, but there were moments in this film that were too powerful not to. We take things (like health and youth) for granted when we don't have to work very hard for them and this movie is an unforgettable reminder of that. When we're surrounded by Western values that promote things like youth, wealth, and Snooki, old age seems worlds away.

This film also has all the right opportunities to laugh and make jokes, but you never forget how Sam's generosity and spirit are behind each action. And in case you were wondering if people in their 80s have sex, this is your opportunity. I love older people but I think they are definitely overlooked in film and other mediums - and this film proves why they shouldn't be!

Marvelous

[sydneyamigo · 10/10 · 3 March 2023]

This film will make you laugh and cry within seconds of one another. It is such a raw and candid slice of life into the lives of these seniors. I am beyond moved.

I have never seen such honesty from seniors as they disclose very personal details of their lives. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone but in a nutshell I found it very tragically beautiful.

I flashed back to my loved ones who spent their last days in a senior center and quite enjoyed themselves.

What I loved about this documentary is that there seemed to be no particular objective of the documentary maker aside from just documenting this microcosm in Dallas.

A charming look into life in old age

[nir-545-651236 · 10/10 · 2 December 2012]

Jared Scheib's documentary gives you a charming look into life at old age. The film follows a character, Sam Berger, who is commonly known as "The Mayor" around his retirement home. He, and the characters around him, paint life in old age in a way that I had not considered before. The atmosphere at the retirement home almost feels like a college dormitory and the inhabitants certainly know how to live it up! In fact, my dad, upon finishing watching the film, turned to my mom and said, "So when are we moving in?"

The characters are both extremely likable and relatable. They help us understand that old age is just another chapter in the book of life. I aspire to have the outlook on life that Sam Berger has.

Well done, Jared, on a charming and heart-warming film. I enjoyed it very much.

The Mayor gets a key to the city!

[jfreidog · 10/10 · 9 December 2012]

I just watched The Mayor with my parents, who have been married for over 60 years. They both watched it with great interest, delight, and smiles on their faces through out the whole movie. I really liked the way the film let your subjects tell the story, simple, no music. The personalities light up the screen. Are they members of your family?

The movie was particularly important to me because my dad had a stroke in June and has been in a nursing home for 3 months with my mother. My dad didn't like it so I moved them both back to their house in Indianapolis in late October. Even so, he said after the movie that it should be required viewing before people get old.

My parents are happier at home, but they are both a hair's breath away for 24 hour care. My dad had a seizure 10 days ago, so I'm not sure how much longer he will be around.

The movie really shed light on the desire to continue to share their lives with others. It was interesting to see the new senior relationships are just as complicated for the old as it is for the young. Also, it was good for my parents to see how the characters in the film made the best of their situation, maintained their sense of humor, and their attitudes were good.

Thanks for validating the senior experience and opening the nursing home doors to a world that is very important for all-- young and old to see.

Engaging and provocative

[m-w-goodwin · 9/10 · 29 April 2013]

A very insightful documentary covering the many facets of aging. I laughed out loud several times and was equally touched and saddened at times. Very honest and unafraid. Sam as a character is complex and how he moves forward and is kind and compassionate in the face of serious struggle is nothing short of inspirational. Several of the characters in the film seem too good to be true, but the fact that they are makes is all the more endearing. I really appreciate the breadth of the topics covered, hitting on various fascets of the human experience as death is faced in such different ways. I highly recommend this documentary for the perspective it gives on life, regardless of your current age.

A Movie Everyone Should See

[jonathanbierner · 10/10 · 17 November 2012]

Have you ever had any type of relationship with a "more mature" senior? Most likely, you have. Have you ever considered the relationships or perspectives that seniors have independently or between each other? Or what they do behind closed doors with the blinds shut? 'The Mayor' is a movie that everyone should see. The director delivers a slice of life that we can all relate to. While watching the film as well as afterward, I couldn't help but think of the unknown aspects of the lives of my grandparents, parents, and what may be in store for me.

Rather than throwing out a spoiler or two, I recommend you view this film as a gift to yourself... then pass it along to someone else. I think it is natural to question our mortality and harbor some fear of death and/or getting older. 'The Mayor' indirectly addresses these instinctive thoughts.

What did I get out of it? With no expectations prior to screening, I was rewarded with a thought provoking emotional journey that has left me with the desire to be more patient and loving.

A big "Thank You!" to the cast and crew.

A Poignant Examination of Retired Love

[michmeyers2347 · 9/10 · 5 January 2013]

Simple, concise, and beautiful, one of the strengths of Scheib's The Mayor is that it does not need some sort of over-arcing narrator attempting to explain the significance of the film. Rather, there is such strength in the emotional resonance of each of the people whom Scheib follows in this Dallas retirement home that the viewer remains captivated from the first minute of the film to the last. Scheib moves beyond the typical archetypes of love between our nation's senior citizens, revealing that love, companionship, and commitment can be as complex and intricate among those nearing 90 as it can be for someone just beginning adolescence. These people are not reduced to characters. They remain real throughout, experiencing real happiness, real humor, and real loss, and it is this honesty that the viewer must most appreciate.

Hilarious but poignant view of senior life

[joanre1112 · 10/10 · 3 December 2011]

Saw this at the Lone Star International Film Festival. Director Jared Scheib had taken the life of a retirement facility in North Dallas and turned it into a senior soap opera that is poignant and funny. The Mayor is an insightful look at senior life. Sam Berger stands out as an octogenarian who does not let his age stop him from loving and living like a 60 year old! Although the film focuses on the relationship with his latest girlfriend, it also explores the relationships of others at the retirement facility, including a married couple and a widow. I especially loved the ending which shows even greater insight to the life of a senior. This was 85 minutes of pure enjoyment.