Viewers should be warned that this really isn't a documentary...more of a home video collection. The film follows Mitt and the whole Romney clan as they go through the stress, fun, and disappointment of not one but TWO presidential elections. The filming is good, and by the end of the movie I gained some respect for the man. It wasn't filmed with political bias, which i feel is one of the reasons I really liked it. If your a republican, you'll enjoy it as Mitt is portrayed as a very good person. If you're a democrat, you'll like it because well.....you won the election , didn't you? All in all, 8 out of 10 stars!I congratulations Netflix on making this good movie!
31 Reviews
Love Letter
ryanjanik4 February 2014
Firstly, this isn't a film about political ideology, so everyone should appreciate this one of a kind perspective at the political campaign process. People never got to know Mitt during the previous election, which was one of his biggest problems. He seems like such a warm good person after watching this. I'd guess the only thing he's missing is the ruthlessness you would expect in a politician. This documentary (via Netflix) reveals some layers to a man who seemed so cardboard in the past. There isn't that whole battle strategy thing you're expecting (apparently this wasn't allowed to be filmed). This film comes across as a love letter to the man. At many times you feel just like you're sitting down for dinner with the family, and Mitt's your Dad. This is a rare treat for a film. It would have been a better film with some of the harder political strategy from his campaign team, but for what it is, I hope that more candidates follow this idea and release it within their election window. This kind of access to a real person reveals so much more about a person than a debate. What it reveals is a man who's just a bit too sweet and fatherly to topple his competitor. The perfect example moment is twenty-something minutes into the film after the 2008 campaign when we see him siting in a chair in the kitchen reading the paper with his glasses on; It's like a Norman Rockwell painting. Highly recommend this film for it's one-of-a-kind access to one of the great competitions of our time.
Good, not great
donaldgilbert2 March 2014
"Mitt" was a rewarding experience but it was clear to me that care was taken to present the man in a way that he and his family would approve of.
Rewarding in that the Romneys still allowed enough reality to slip to the camera for us to have some fair judgment; but no conversation about the millionaire fund-raiser dinner that ultimately cost him in 2012, and nothing TOO controversial otherwise.
What we're left with is a sense that this was a nice guy, who was very close to his family. We also learned that he was someone who never really seemed terribly confident, strong-willed, or clear about his political convictions. He also revealed his a deep devotion to his Mormonism. I never really felt that he was in the race for the right reasons, and this film reinforced that point.
Again, the film didn't reveal everything, but (for me) it revealed enough. Mildly recommended.
Rewarding in that the Romneys still allowed enough reality to slip to the camera for us to have some fair judgment; but no conversation about the millionaire fund-raiser dinner that ultimately cost him in 2012, and nothing TOO controversial otherwise.
What we're left with is a sense that this was a nice guy, who was very close to his family. We also learned that he was someone who never really seemed terribly confident, strong-willed, or clear about his political convictions. He also revealed his a deep devotion to his Mormonism. I never really felt that he was in the race for the right reasons, and this film reinforced that point.
Again, the film didn't reveal everything, but (for me) it revealed enough. Mildly recommended.
I really got to liking Mitt after watching this...
desiette3 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I followed the 2012 elections avidly, but failed to get a sense of what Mitt was all about. They really should have released this movie at the time of elections. It may have made a difference to some voters. Mitt comes across as genuinely likable, funny, friendly and analytical. Had he been elected he would probably have seen himself as the CEO of America.
But he also comes across as politically naive especially when him and the family are talking about John McCain. Ann Romney constantly looks at the camera and one gets the feeling that all her actions before the camera are part of a show she is putting on. The only scene where she seems genuinely relaxed and at ease is when she is with her horses.
Some scenes like the one where his son gets slapped are appalling. I would very much have liked to see the thought process that went behind Mitt's picking of a vice presidential candidate.
The family comes across as clannish and loyal but that is probably to be expected in such a hotly contested race.
It's really hard to reconcile this image of Mitt with that of the man driving 650 miles with his sick dog on top of the car in freezing weather.
But he also comes across as politically naive especially when him and the family are talking about John McCain. Ann Romney constantly looks at the camera and one gets the feeling that all her actions before the camera are part of a show she is putting on. The only scene where she seems genuinely relaxed and at ease is when she is with her horses.
Some scenes like the one where his son gets slapped are appalling. I would very much have liked to see the thought process that went behind Mitt's picking of a vice presidential candidate.
The family comes across as clannish and loyal but that is probably to be expected in such a hotly contested race.
It's really hard to reconcile this image of Mitt with that of the man driving 650 miles with his sick dog on top of the car in freezing weather.
A Good Look. Not Too Deep, But A Nice Attempt
gavin694230 January 2014
Mitt Romney and his family are followed through their US Presidential campaigns.
In this documentary, some of the footage is pretty rough, which sort of takes away from the viewing enjoyment, but this is just something you have to accept to really go behind the scenes without proper preparation.
I find it interesting to see how many people do not recognize him or have never heard of him, while he maintains a good sense of humor. Romney, not unlike Al Gore or John Kerry, gives off a wooden personality, so it is nice to see him a little bit looser here.
Romney's sons did not seem particularly in favor of the publicity and stress of the presidency, and do not seem to be politicians themselves so much as loyal sons, despite their father and grandfather. This was evident during the campaign, but even more here. These are good people, who want what is best for their families.
A bit was touched on the 47%, and Bain Capital, though if you blink you will miss Paul Ryan. Some of these criticisms could have been addressed more, but perhaps that was not the point.
In this documentary, some of the footage is pretty rough, which sort of takes away from the viewing enjoyment, but this is just something you have to accept to really go behind the scenes without proper preparation.
I find it interesting to see how many people do not recognize him or have never heard of him, while he maintains a good sense of humor. Romney, not unlike Al Gore or John Kerry, gives off a wooden personality, so it is nice to see him a little bit looser here.
Romney's sons did not seem particularly in favor of the publicity and stress of the presidency, and do not seem to be politicians themselves so much as loyal sons, despite their father and grandfather. This was evident during the campaign, but even more here. These are good people, who want what is best for their families.
A bit was touched on the 47%, and Bain Capital, though if you blink you will miss Paul Ryan. Some of these criticisms could have been addressed more, but perhaps that was not the point.
A safe and positive portrayal of Mitt Romney (for better or for worse)
Jalapeno_Fro2 February 2014
I watched this movie because I love politics. I'm especially a fan of the documentary 'War Room' about Clinton's 1992 campaign. It gave a behind the scenes look at the running of a presidential campaign- warts and all. Getting that much access was a first and 'War Room' is still considered one of the best political documentaries out there. Interestingly, Bill Clinton was not the star of the film. It was really about the advisers and political operation that are the staple of every modern presidential campaign.
The film 'Mitt' is the total opposite of 'War Room'. This is not so much a political documentary as it is a video diary of his family meetings while running for President in 2008 and 2012. It offers a glimpse into moments of the Romney family's life, which can at times be interesting and almost endearing as it tries to humanize the man behind the pressed suit and tie, but it offers little insight into the campaign itself. So if you are a political junkie hoping to see what it's like to be a part of one of the biggest high-wire acts in all of politics, you might be disappointed.
However, 'Mitt' is interesting for the fact that it clearly shows Romney how he would like to be remembered. He wants to be viewed as a kind, smart, successful family man. And maybe that's what he's really like, but because the film shows him in such a positive light, it's not hard to imagine that Romney and his family had final edit or that the filmmaker became a friend over the course of filming. Whether or not that's a bad thing is up to you. If you voted for Romney in 2012, you might come away seeing a good family man who should have shown more of his personality on the campaign- he might have won if he had. If you voted for Obama, you just might see a different side of the man and leave the experience with some sympathy for him. Nonetheless, this film is also a vehicle to settle some scores and present Romney's version of history for historians, much like a memoir would.
Mitt Romney seems to be a man from a different era. A wealthy, educated, polite and well-dressed businessman who says "heck" and "gosh" around his family. He'd fit right into a black and white movie from the 40's or a 50's sitcom. What also comes across is a man who is analytical, fastidiousness and risk averse. The way he speaks, the decisions he made in the campaign and even the way he walks all suggest a man who is trying very hard to do things correctly and efficiently. This inability to let himself loose and take big risks is what many political reporters and observers believe hurt his campaign. This film is perhaps guilty of the same problem- it is too safe and controlled and it offers few real insights into the man or his campaign, instead preferring to show highlights of him when he's with his family. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it just isn't particularly revealing or interesting as a political documentary. In the end, this is likely a film that Mitt Romney would be happy to have share a name with him.
6.5/10
The film 'Mitt' is the total opposite of 'War Room'. This is not so much a political documentary as it is a video diary of his family meetings while running for President in 2008 and 2012. It offers a glimpse into moments of the Romney family's life, which can at times be interesting and almost endearing as it tries to humanize the man behind the pressed suit and tie, but it offers little insight into the campaign itself. So if you are a political junkie hoping to see what it's like to be a part of one of the biggest high-wire acts in all of politics, you might be disappointed.
However, 'Mitt' is interesting for the fact that it clearly shows Romney how he would like to be remembered. He wants to be viewed as a kind, smart, successful family man. And maybe that's what he's really like, but because the film shows him in such a positive light, it's not hard to imagine that Romney and his family had final edit or that the filmmaker became a friend over the course of filming. Whether or not that's a bad thing is up to you. If you voted for Romney in 2012, you might come away seeing a good family man who should have shown more of his personality on the campaign- he might have won if he had. If you voted for Obama, you just might see a different side of the man and leave the experience with some sympathy for him. Nonetheless, this film is also a vehicle to settle some scores and present Romney's version of history for historians, much like a memoir would.
Mitt Romney seems to be a man from a different era. A wealthy, educated, polite and well-dressed businessman who says "heck" and "gosh" around his family. He'd fit right into a black and white movie from the 40's or a 50's sitcom. What also comes across is a man who is analytical, fastidiousness and risk averse. The way he speaks, the decisions he made in the campaign and even the way he walks all suggest a man who is trying very hard to do things correctly and efficiently. This inability to let himself loose and take big risks is what many political reporters and observers believe hurt his campaign. This film is perhaps guilty of the same problem- it is too safe and controlled and it offers few real insights into the man or his campaign, instead preferring to show highlights of him when he's with his family. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it just isn't particularly revealing or interesting as a political documentary. In the end, this is likely a film that Mitt Romney would be happy to have share a name with him.
6.5/10
Cool. I just watched a Mitt Romney documentary on my birthday.
zachsnyderproductions15 January 2021
I went into this expecting a documentary that tackled the past of Mitt Romney and his road to running for president. INSTEAD, we get the epic creative choice to just show his entire failed attempts at running for president TWICE IN A ROW.
This doc is mostly boring. A lot of it is just random clips of Mitt and his family. There's an uncomfortable amount of 'white people laughing' clips. But the beauty of it, is that it doesn't hold back in making fun of Romney.
They compare this man to John Kerry *at least* FIVE times. The opening scene is just in media res, as we see Romney come to terms that he's losing another election. This same scene is used at the very ending of the doc, so it's very similar to "Synecdoche, New York" - you know, "The end is built in the beginning."
I also love that the final shot is just a newspaper that says "Obama wins".
Shoutout to the filmmakers involved in this. Again, while it's pretty boring, it's exceptionally funny that this was mostly just an hour and a half of clowning on Mr. Mitt Romney.
This doc is mostly boring. A lot of it is just random clips of Mitt and his family. There's an uncomfortable amount of 'white people laughing' clips. But the beauty of it, is that it doesn't hold back in making fun of Romney.
They compare this man to John Kerry *at least* FIVE times. The opening scene is just in media res, as we see Romney come to terms that he's losing another election. This same scene is used at the very ending of the doc, so it's very similar to "Synecdoche, New York" - you know, "The end is built in the beginning."
I also love that the final shot is just a newspaper that says "Obama wins".
Shoutout to the filmmakers involved in this. Again, while it's pretty boring, it's exceptionally funny that this was mostly just an hour and a half of clowning on Mr. Mitt Romney.
Awesomeness
producer121424 January 2014
Firstly, the best thing about "Mitt" is that it's apolitical. It's the story of a family coping with the massive task of a close family member running for the highest office in America. This movie changed my entire view of Mitt Romney, the person. In all honesty, I am not too sure what would have happened if the Romney campaign had let 'this' Romney out on the campaign trail, rather than the robotic anomaly they contrived for the 2012 election.
The film shows that Mitt is actually a funny, seemingly humble dude. This documentary will make you cringe, smile, laugh, and maybe even cry. Surprisingly, I found the camera-work to be contextually pertinent and deliberate, as the various points of focus created a poignant sense of drama, comedy, and sometimes even melancholy. The filmmaker of 'Mitt' did an outstanding job with his extent of access and weaved together an intimate, smooth-flowing glimpse of the Romney family's personal journey throughout Mitt's consecutive, ill-fated presidential campaigns.
Ultimately, going into this film is like watching The Titanic; you know how things end, and they end unfavorably. What makes "Mitt" a great documentary is how it manages to draw you in and, at moments, even makes you forget that you know how it all ends. But even when you remind yourself about how it does end, you get drawn in even more by knowing that you ACTUALLY get to experience it from their real, personal vantage point.
10/10
The film shows that Mitt is actually a funny, seemingly humble dude. This documentary will make you cringe, smile, laugh, and maybe even cry. Surprisingly, I found the camera-work to be contextually pertinent and deliberate, as the various points of focus created a poignant sense of drama, comedy, and sometimes even melancholy. The filmmaker of 'Mitt' did an outstanding job with his extent of access and weaved together an intimate, smooth-flowing glimpse of the Romney family's personal journey throughout Mitt's consecutive, ill-fated presidential campaigns.
Ultimately, going into this film is like watching The Titanic; you know how things end, and they end unfavorably. What makes "Mitt" a great documentary is how it manages to draw you in and, at moments, even makes you forget that you know how it all ends. But even when you remind yourself about how it does end, you get drawn in even more by knowing that you ACTUALLY get to experience it from their real, personal vantage point.
10/10
A brief, behind-the-scenes look at a presidential candidate and its human toll
zjay02731 January 2014
MITT is a documentary that is surely to be avoided by a fair amount of people. Too often are politicians simply reduced to their ideology and party affiliation. MITT follows the Romney family from his initial decision to run for president, to his loss in the 2012 election, and shows the effects of such a public and tiring endeavor on the family.
MITT is apolitical; we are simply witnessing a man and his family, as they seek to achieve a goal. There is scant discussion of Romney's policies; the focus here is on the dynamic created by campaigning for the presidency. The result is an intimate, behind-the-scenes peak into his preparation, and discussions with his family about the debates, preparation, and results. If you're able to forget about the policy issues and (for some) overcome the evangelical religiosity that dominates the family, it will be hard to come away from this documentary not having a more favorable view of Mitt Romney, the man.
Despite its successes, the documentary does feel quite brief. Most of the scenes take place before or after a debate or major event and we really don't get the full feeling of what the he and his family are like, truly "off the cuff."
Ultimately, MITT is an enjoyable look into the reality of a political candidate; his life off of the stage, and away from the party platform. Certainly more attempts at showing presidents and presidential candidates as who they are truly are, rather than their reduced ideological version, would behoove Americans.
MITT is apolitical; we are simply witnessing a man and his family, as they seek to achieve a goal. There is scant discussion of Romney's policies; the focus here is on the dynamic created by campaigning for the presidency. The result is an intimate, behind-the-scenes peak into his preparation, and discussions with his family about the debates, preparation, and results. If you're able to forget about the policy issues and (for some) overcome the evangelical religiosity that dominates the family, it will be hard to come away from this documentary not having a more favorable view of Mitt Romney, the man.
Despite its successes, the documentary does feel quite brief. Most of the scenes take place before or after a debate or major event and we really don't get the full feeling of what the he and his family are like, truly "off the cuff."
Ultimately, MITT is an enjoyable look into the reality of a political candidate; his life off of the stage, and away from the party platform. Certainly more attempts at showing presidents and presidential candidates as who they are truly are, rather than their reduced ideological version, would behoove Americans.
Good Look Behind the Scenes of a Campaign
nebac325 January 2014
"Mitt" is more like a collection of home video footage than a typical documentary. It shows Mitt Romney with his staff, family and friends, letting his guard down at a time when as a candidate he could rarely do so in public. This film may not change your opinion of Romney (Romney supporters will continue to think he should have won, President Obama supporters will think this validates him winning) but it will let you see a side of him that you haven't previously been able to.
The movie obviously touches on politics, it is following a candidate through two presidential campaigns after all, and the Romney's do feel that Barack Obama is not a good fit for president, but the really does as good of a job as possible of being apolitical. There isn't a focus on "told you so" moments that some Romney advisers and supporters hoped there would be. While there is criticism of Romney's opponents and of the media, the film doesn't outright bash anyone.
The main focus of the film is Mitt Romney's interactions with his family, and the tolls that a presidential campaign takes on someone and those around them. There are moments that are very personal, such as the family praying, and moments where family members reveal how incredibly difficult it is to go through the process of campaigning across the entire nation. I personally would have liked to see more of the strategy behind the campaign discussed, and more on the mechanics of traveling the country to run the campaign, but that wasn't what the focus of this was.
I enjoyed "Mitt" and so did my friends who watched it with me, and our group spanned the political spectrum from left to right. If you are interested in seeing a glimpse behind the curtain of a campaign, or in seeing a candidate when they are relaxed and not having to put on a show, you should definitely check out "Mitt".
The movie obviously touches on politics, it is following a candidate through two presidential campaigns after all, and the Romney's do feel that Barack Obama is not a good fit for president, but the really does as good of a job as possible of being apolitical. There isn't a focus on "told you so" moments that some Romney advisers and supporters hoped there would be. While there is criticism of Romney's opponents and of the media, the film doesn't outright bash anyone.
The main focus of the film is Mitt Romney's interactions with his family, and the tolls that a presidential campaign takes on someone and those around them. There are moments that are very personal, such as the family praying, and moments where family members reveal how incredibly difficult it is to go through the process of campaigning across the entire nation. I personally would have liked to see more of the strategy behind the campaign discussed, and more on the mechanics of traveling the country to run the campaign, but that wasn't what the focus of this was.
I enjoyed "Mitt" and so did my friends who watched it with me, and our group spanned the political spectrum from left to right. If you are interested in seeing a glimpse behind the curtain of a campaign, or in seeing a candidate when they are relaxed and not having to put on a show, you should definitely check out "Mitt".
I can't believe you're going to lose.
lastliberal-853-25370825 January 2014
First, I wouldn't vote for Mitt Romney under any circumstances. It has nothing to do with him as a person, but for what his party represents.
This documentary is trying to show the former, and avoid the latter. Great. I am impressed with what I am seeing. I like the man who picks up the garbage on the balcony; the man who sleeps on the floor of the plane.
He is a good man. He has a good family that loves him. He has been successful. I would love to have dinner with him and discuss whatever he wants.
It would be a good thing to have something like this for all the major candidates before an election. We need to see them as real people. It may have changed the course of history.
This documentary is trying to show the former, and avoid the latter. Great. I am impressed with what I am seeing. I like the man who picks up the garbage on the balcony; the man who sleeps on the floor of the plane.
He is a good man. He has a good family that loves him. He has been successful. I would love to have dinner with him and discuss whatever he wants.
It would be a good thing to have something like this for all the major candidates before an election. We need to see them as real people. It may have changed the course of history.
Pretty fluffy political documentary
robaweiler17 February 2014
This is a pretty fluffy political documentary primarily due to the fact that even though it is covering 2 campaigns for the presidency, there isn't much about politics or policy. The bigger problem with the film, given that it is essentially Romney family home movies, is that after it is over, you really don't know anymore about Mitt then you did before. He has a really large, tightly knit family, a presidential campaign is grueling, and that's pretty much it. The Romney's are quite obviously well aware that they are on camera, so there are no 'unguarded' moments. It's a pleasant enough way to kill 1.5 hours but not as entertaining or enlightening as rereading 'Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail'.
Rare glimpse into a great man that could have made a difference.
axis0125 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Despite being completely neutral in its treatment of Mitt Romney, the film exposes the humble and brilliant nature of a man whom was unfairly characterized and misunderstood by the media during his run for president.
The film follows Mitt Romney from his Decision to run for the republican nominee in 2008 through his campaign against Obama in 2012, culminating in his election night defeat. The film is surprisingly honest and allowed unparalleled access into a family which seems, in a lot of ways, just like the rest of us. It follows the ups and downs of his campaign with candid insights which inadvertently convey many honest moments and insecurities the candidate struggled with.
The final moments of the film focus on the slow disintegration of his hopes for becoming president and the last moments of the campaign. How he responds to such a disappointing result, surrounded by his family, after months of exhaustive campaigning truly exemplifies the perseverance and integrity of Mitt Romney. It is a rare look into a man whom could have made a great president.
The film follows Mitt Romney from his Decision to run for the republican nominee in 2008 through his campaign against Obama in 2012, culminating in his election night defeat. The film is surprisingly honest and allowed unparalleled access into a family which seems, in a lot of ways, just like the rest of us. It follows the ups and downs of his campaign with candid insights which inadvertently convey many honest moments and insecurities the candidate struggled with.
The final moments of the film focus on the slow disintegration of his hopes for becoming president and the last moments of the campaign. How he responds to such a disappointing result, surrounded by his family, after months of exhaustive campaigning truly exemplifies the perseverance and integrity of Mitt Romney. It is a rare look into a man whom could have made a great president.
Amazing behind the scenes documentary on the life of Mitt Romney and family throughout the election process.
hdebella2424 January 2014
Absolutely loved this documentary and being able to get a behind the scenes look at Mitt Romney. The movie really portrayed him for what he is...a humble, upstanding, family man. If only people were able to have seen this side of Mitt before the election, our country might be on a better path right now. The movie helped the viewer to understand that even though Romney may have appeared up tight or stiff during the campaign debates, this wasn't his real personality. it showed his light heartedness towards his family and his passionate love of America. The thing I liked most about this movie is the fact that it proved to me once again that Romney was the better choice to be the leader of the US for the citizens of America-rich or poor-and for the future of this great country.
An excellent film about the human side of politics
wzevonfan25 January 2014
In one of the earliest scenes of "Mitt," we hear Governor Romney giving a speech at a fund-raiser about the failure of previous presidential candidates: how the loss of an election is irreparable and indelible thing to endure. "Michael Dukakis can't get a job mowing lawns" he says to the crowd, holding up a L sign to his forehead for everyone to see. The comment (which Romney said all the way back in 2008) was a jest made in a climate of optimism and hope-a time when the former Governor of Massachusetts still had a chance at political victory. And yet, it is also an eerily prescient statement of things to come.
Fast forward to the day after the election in 2012. Romney enters into his living room with his wife in tow-slumps down into a chair, and stairs plaintively out the window overlooking his backyard. Though Mitt does not speak in that moment, we know that those words he uttered years before at the convention are resonating in his mind. Aspirations dashed, his life is finished; you could not write a more tragically ironic ending to the failed presidential saga of Willard Romney if you tried.
This is where the documentary "Mitt" is successful: in humanizing a process (and a man at the center of that process) that otherwise seems so sterile, competitive, and polished to the rest of us. It is only a political film in that it captures the world of politics: it takes no sides on the issues of the debate. Indeed, the best moments are those that show Mitt as a man plagued by doubts, anxieties, setbacks, and yes, even sleeve-related wardrobe problems. Just when Mitt Romney is leading in the primary polls of 2008, the Governor of Florida comes out in support of John McCain and quashes his hopes of Republic nomination. Just when Mitt Romney defeats Barack Obama in the first debate, his infamous "47%" video leaks to the public and isolated him from a number of potential voters. Moreover, it shows a man painfully at odds with his public image. "They think I'm a Mormon flipper." Mitt says to his family. Surely, an over-simplified appraisal of a person if there ever was one. Who knew Mitt Romney's favorite movie was "O Brother Where Art Thou" or that he was a fan of David Sedaris, or that he really loves to snack on peanuts. There is a scene in the film where Ann Romney messes up her husband perfectly coiffed hair after a speech. This is essentially the equivalent of what filmmaker Greg Whiteley does to Mitt as well. We cannot help but like him all the more for it. Again, the irony is that this is too little, and too late.
Fast forward to the day after the election in 2012. Romney enters into his living room with his wife in tow-slumps down into a chair, and stairs plaintively out the window overlooking his backyard. Though Mitt does not speak in that moment, we know that those words he uttered years before at the convention are resonating in his mind. Aspirations dashed, his life is finished; you could not write a more tragically ironic ending to the failed presidential saga of Willard Romney if you tried.
This is where the documentary "Mitt" is successful: in humanizing a process (and a man at the center of that process) that otherwise seems so sterile, competitive, and polished to the rest of us. It is only a political film in that it captures the world of politics: it takes no sides on the issues of the debate. Indeed, the best moments are those that show Mitt as a man plagued by doubts, anxieties, setbacks, and yes, even sleeve-related wardrobe problems. Just when Mitt Romney is leading in the primary polls of 2008, the Governor of Florida comes out in support of John McCain and quashes his hopes of Republic nomination. Just when Mitt Romney defeats Barack Obama in the first debate, his infamous "47%" video leaks to the public and isolated him from a number of potential voters. Moreover, it shows a man painfully at odds with his public image. "They think I'm a Mormon flipper." Mitt says to his family. Surely, an over-simplified appraisal of a person if there ever was one. Who knew Mitt Romney's favorite movie was "O Brother Where Art Thou" or that he was a fan of David Sedaris, or that he really loves to snack on peanuts. There is a scene in the film where Ann Romney messes up her husband perfectly coiffed hair after a speech. This is essentially the equivalent of what filmmaker Greg Whiteley does to Mitt as well. We cannot help but like him all the more for it. Again, the irony is that this is too little, and too late.
Film has value for supporters but misleading as a historical document
ideazones26 January 2014
What is most noteworthy about this new Netflix documentary titled "Mitt" is not what it shows but what it doesn't – what it leaves out. While it begins showing the candidate surrounded by his loving family and then eventually his friends and supporters, it never shows him being confronting by his critics or opponents.
When Romney is shown interacting with the public, they are either supporters or don't know him yet because it is still too early in the campaign. As a result of this exclusion of any and all critical voices, this film becomes propaganda. It attempts to humanize the candidate but does not provide a full picture.
Finally, it is important to remember that this film's footage is only being shown with the full permission of Mitt and his family. Consider what that means in terms of representing all sides of the candidate and his life.
If, however, you are a fan of Mitt, you will take pleasure in watching this. If not, you will likely feel frustrated and manipulated.
David Elliott Lewis, San Francisco
When Romney is shown interacting with the public, they are either supporters or don't know him yet because it is still too early in the campaign. As a result of this exclusion of any and all critical voices, this film becomes propaganda. It attempts to humanize the candidate but does not provide a full picture.
Finally, it is important to remember that this film's footage is only being shown with the full permission of Mitt and his family. Consider what that means in terms of representing all sides of the candidate and his life.
If, however, you are a fan of Mitt, you will take pleasure in watching this. If not, you will likely feel frustrated and manipulated.
David Elliott Lewis, San Francisco
A real inside view of politics.
josborn513628 January 2014
First of all, I voted for Mitt Romney, so I found him as a candidate to be ideal. Probably the best candidate I have seen in a long time. This movie shows the political process through his eyes and the eyes of his family. It goes behind the scenes and shows what a wonderful, honest and smart man he is with a wonderful wife and children, who are in most of the movie. This is not a biography of Mitt, which is what I was expecting, but his run for president in both 2008 and 2012; it shows the debates with other candidates and the interactions he had with his wife and family. Watching his conviction and wanting to save this country makes me sad, but it does show what a wonderful man he is. It is a bit of a nail-biter, waiting for results and the defeats he experienced. I hope everyone can see this movie, Democrat or Republican.
Mittens
abcvision14 October 2014
Mitt Romney ran for President twice, he came close the second time and some speculate that he might even run for a third. This movie captures the behind the scenes look of the mechanics of running for President. You get a sense of the chaos the uncertainty and the need for constant energy and determination to capture the top ring of the political world. This movie also gives you a more well rounded view of Mitt Romney. He is over all a good man and his dedication to public office is to make his dad proud and also to give back from a blessed life. The opening scene shows how his family really was not supportive of his run but once he decided to do it, team Romney was up and going. This movie is perfect for anyone who wants to better understand presidential politics and get to know this man who came close to the top job.
The Wrong Man Won
tpaladino29 January 2014
If this documentary had seen wide release in the months before the election, Mitt Romney would have won.
This film rather handily puts the lie to the liberal media-created caricature of Mitt Romney as the robotic, out-of-touch, uncaring Mormon weirdo who looks down on the common man from atop his pile of money. Here, Mitt comes off as the man he really is; a warm and loving father, a good friend, and a genuinely humble man who truly loves his country and wants everyone to succeed.
Mind you, this side of him was always there to anyone who cared to look, but the media in this country was obsessed with reelecting Barack Obama, so any and all of his positive attributes were ignored in favor of maintaining the false narrative constructed by the Obama campaign.
This film will change many minds about who Romney is. Unfortunately the wrong man already won, and we're paying dearly for that mistake.
This film rather handily puts the lie to the liberal media-created caricature of Mitt Romney as the robotic, out-of-touch, uncaring Mormon weirdo who looks down on the common man from atop his pile of money. Here, Mitt comes off as the man he really is; a warm and loving father, a good friend, and a genuinely humble man who truly loves his country and wants everyone to succeed.
Mind you, this side of him was always there to anyone who cared to look, but the media in this country was obsessed with reelecting Barack Obama, so any and all of his positive attributes were ignored in favor of maintaining the false narrative constructed by the Obama campaign.
This film will change many minds about who Romney is. Unfortunately the wrong man already won, and we're paying dearly for that mistake.
This Documentary is for Political Junkies Only
takashi_kupo26 January 2014
This film has absolutely no crossover appeal. The whole point of it isn't to recap the last 8 years of Mitt Romney's life. It's to show the human side of him and the toll that it took on his family. It's pretty affective too at some points, like when we see how good of a wife that Ann Romney is behind the scenes, telling her husband to have conviction from his heart.
There's a few really intimate moments that you should watch out for which tug at the heart strings, but they never really quite tug in a really strong way. You won't cry, you want laugh, but you will smile. This is strictly a documentary for politicos.
One problem a cinephile might have is the really bad quality of half the shots. Some of them are extremely grainy like you're watching a youtube video. The score sucks, too. And the overall atmosphere that the film creates makes you want to fall asleep.
In conclusion, if you're not obsessed with politics, stay away. It's boring.
There's a few really intimate moments that you should watch out for which tug at the heart strings, but they never really quite tug in a really strong way. You won't cry, you want laugh, but you will smile. This is strictly a documentary for politicos.
One problem a cinephile might have is the really bad quality of half the shots. Some of them are extremely grainy like you're watching a youtube video. The score sucks, too. And the overall atmosphere that the film creates makes you want to fall asleep.
In conclusion, if you're not obsessed with politics, stay away. It's boring.
Makes Campaigns and Politicians More Real
redbushy3 February 2014
This is a fairly superficial, nicely apolitical behind the scenes look at Mitt Romney's 2008 and 2012 campaigns. This is a window in to a world that we don't often get, so take a look for yourself.
I felt it humanized Romney and he came across as a decent and likable person, but I was left feeling that both his campaigns were lightweight and unsure. Either many of the decision- making discussions filmed with his family were largely inconsequential banter for the cameras, or his candidacy was poorly organized and not really thought through.
The biggest takeaway from the movie for me is that our political candidates are not superheroes (or for that matter super-villains). They are very human people with just as many quirks, insecurities and limitations as me, you or the people we interact with every day.
Don't put celebrity politicians on a pedestal, to be worshiped or to be loathed. They are just people like us.
I felt it humanized Romney and he came across as a decent and likable person, but I was left feeling that both his campaigns were lightweight and unsure. Either many of the decision- making discussions filmed with his family were largely inconsequential banter for the cameras, or his candidacy was poorly organized and not really thought through.
The biggest takeaway from the movie for me is that our political candidates are not superheroes (or for that matter super-villains). They are very human people with just as many quirks, insecurities and limitations as me, you or the people we interact with every day.
Don't put celebrity politicians on a pedestal, to be worshiped or to be loathed. They are just people like us.
Offers a unique perspective of the presidential race
cricketbat21 September 2018
Mitt offers a perspective of the presidential race that most people haven't seen before. This documentary presents a fly-on-the-wall viewpoint of Mitt Romney's run for office with minimal commentary from the filmmakers. This style allows us to form our own opinions about the multilayered individuals involved in this campaign who were frequently made one-dimensional by the media. This film won't change the minds of those that blindly hate Mitt Romney, but it may help other people see Romney as he really is: a flawed, but good-hearted human being - just like the rest of us.
Mitt - the movie and my choice for President of the USA
sbnplz16 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I hope others will watch to see the man and acquaint yourself with the one who should be in the White House today. I hope you run again, Gov. Romney, we need you. You are a fine, brilliant man who works hard and really wants to give something back to America, the country you love so deeply. God bless you. I thought your movie was very honest and candid and show what you and your family had to deal with every day of your 2008 and your 2012 campaign runs.You were the right man at the right time....you were dealing with a candidate who was protected by the mainstream media and other various groups and organizations. Your video touched my heart even more as half of the country still mourns your loss and Obama's approval rating lower than any past President we've ever had. We need you. America needs you. Please run, please run again.
Nice but mostly surface
SozeTheKeyser1 February 2014
Mitt Romney seems like a nice man, and that pretty much sums up what I got out of this documentary. But apart from that, I didn't feel like I really learned anything.
If the object was to make Mitt seem human, it does do a good job of this, but as far as providing an insightful look behind the curtain it falls short. There is a sort of a discrepancy between the use of "one cameraman/interviewer with his hand-held camera" signifying bare honesty and how often the scenes seem set-up and "for the camera". Ultimately; this means that it often comes off as a bit disingenuous, and that you're only scratching the surface, rather than getting to know the deeper truth about a man and his political life.
If the object was to make Mitt seem human, it does do a good job of this, but as far as providing an insightful look behind the curtain it falls short. There is a sort of a discrepancy between the use of "one cameraman/interviewer with his hand-held camera" signifying bare honesty and how often the scenes seem set-up and "for the camera". Ultimately; this means that it often comes off as a bit disingenuous, and that you're only scratching the surface, rather than getting to know the deeper truth about a man and his political life.
The private Mitt turns out to be exactly like the public Mitt.
Skorpyos25 January 2014
Having just finished watching this home-video of Mitt and his family, it reminded me of the reason why he lost so dismally to President Obama. Throughout the home-video, you see the private Mitt Rmoney as he goes through the emotions of two lost presidential campaign trails surround by his family and seemingly few campaign personnel. Mitt is seen relying on amateur advise from his sons and dealing with his mute wife Ann, who succeeded at looking like a Stepford wife in every scene she appeared.
The main dynamic displayed in the home-video is the cultish culture that is at the epicenter of the Rmoney family interaction. From praying in "thee" and "thy" format to strange behaviors in several situations, i.e. laughing hysterically at jokes that are not funny, laughing hysterically as one of his sons is slapped in the face by a woman, and conducting "self-deprecating" jokes that involves how rich he is.
Overall, we got a first-hand view of the Rmoney cult, and we were also reasserted of the complete lack of charisma that Mitt possesses. Even in a family environment, Mitt never failed to look as if he was talking to his family with little love and affection, in an almost business manner. Another major point of appreciation to behold in this home-video is the complete and utter absence of an iota of humility in the entire Rmoney family. This attribute (or rather, complete lack thereof) could be most majestically observed when Mitt loses to President Obama at debates and also during the election itself, but the Rmoney clan could not bear the thought of him losing to the "community organizer". After all, they fear that the world will come to an end when the black man leads a nation of "takers". Tears rolled down their cheeks as their brilliant and perfect patriarch lost time and time again to a black man that never ran a company and made billions, but instead worried about providing quality health care to 48 million needy Americans . What a world!
The main dynamic displayed in the home-video is the cultish culture that is at the epicenter of the Rmoney family interaction. From praying in "thee" and "thy" format to strange behaviors in several situations, i.e. laughing hysterically at jokes that are not funny, laughing hysterically as one of his sons is slapped in the face by a woman, and conducting "self-deprecating" jokes that involves how rich he is.
Overall, we got a first-hand view of the Rmoney cult, and we were also reasserted of the complete lack of charisma that Mitt possesses. Even in a family environment, Mitt never failed to look as if he was talking to his family with little love and affection, in an almost business manner. Another major point of appreciation to behold in this home-video is the complete and utter absence of an iota of humility in the entire Rmoney family. This attribute (or rather, complete lack thereof) could be most majestically observed when Mitt loses to President Obama at debates and also during the election itself, but the Rmoney clan could not bear the thought of him losing to the "community organizer". After all, they fear that the world will come to an end when the black man leads a nation of "takers". Tears rolled down their cheeks as their brilliant and perfect patriarch lost time and time again to a black man that never ran a company and made billions, but instead worried about providing quality health care to 48 million needy Americans . What a world!
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