1981 was a very religious year for German filmmaker Werner Herzog. He shot two documentary movies of roughly 43 minutes each dealing with faith in Black and White communities in the United States. This one here is about televangelist Gene Scott and his approach to the issue of religion. I actually liked this one more than the other. One reason would be that it is not just 40 minutes of sermon, but actually elaborates on the issue of church and money a whole lot more than the other did. Another difference would be that Herzog narrates and translates in this one as well. And we find out a lot more about the central character. I knew absolutely nothing about Huie after watching the other, but I do know quite a bit about Gene Scott now. He is a fascinating character. Obviously he is struggling hard with some issues and that also brought him in trouble with the law. Herzog never tries to let you see Scott in a positive or negative light. It's all up to you what to make of this documentary, but it's almost impossible to have a neutral attitude towards Dr. Scott after seeing this one. The protagonist died 10 years ago, but thanks to Herzog we have an important and interesting memory about him, which also tells us about America in general in the 1970s and 1980s and also about American television back then. Another good thing is that you do not really need a religious background yourself to find this piece of filmmaking interesting. Good watch and I recommend it.
Glaube und Währung - Dr. Gene Scott, Fernsehprediger
(1981 TV Movie)
Faith and money
10 June 2015
Warning: Spoilers