Jimmy Carter: Man From Plains is a perfectly titled film.

Carter hails from the small town of Plains, Georgia, which he still calls home. The title might thus speak to his “common man credentials,” which the movie does display. I think that there’s an even greater implication, however. A press release accompanying the film quotes director Jonathon Demme (Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia) as calling Carter “the most visible, positive role model this country has to offer today.” If a man from a small Georgia town can accomplish such great things, then why can’t you and I do the same? Demme seems to see Carter as not only a personification of the American Dream, but also of the American Spirit. This former President left the White House in 1981, yet he has not retired quietly. At 82 (his age when this movie was filmed), Carter still feels driven to make the world a better place.

The film follows Jimmy Carter in late 2006 and early 2007. For much of this time, the Man From Plains is engaged with a book tour. His Palestine Peace Not Apartheid had recently been released. Despite his advanced age, Carter seems tireless, as he scurries from one book signing or interview to another. His views on Palestine are somewhat controversial, and this forms much of the film’s drama. Carter confronts critics, welcomes supporters and debates interviewers, many of whom haven’t actually read his book!

I can say that I have read Carter’s book. When I learned that it would figure prominently into this movie, I decided to pick it up from the library. I had planned to just use it as a reference for this review. Instead, I read the whole thing. Carter criticizes Israel’s current policy in the occupied territories, specifically noting its building of a wall to separate Palestinians from Israeli settlements (Thus, the word “apartheid“). This is the source of much furor, as some feel that Carter slants the case against Israel. Interestingly, Carter’s comments on the wall form only a small part of the book. Most of it summarizes the region’s troubled history since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. I appreciated Carter’s clear writing style and feel that I finally have some understanding of the complicated Middle East situation. Carter does hold a specific viewpoint, but responsible readers will never rely on one source for all their knowledge of a topic.

I’m reviewing a movie, not a book, so I’d best get back on course. Man From Plains shows us more than a book tour. We also see Carter building a home in New Orleans on behalf of Habitat for Humanity. We see him in Plains, attending a barbeque with neighbors. We see him eating dinner with wife Rosalynn. We see him at morning swims, at church and attending lectures at the Carter Center, his diplomatic and humanitarian institute. If nothing else, the man certainly leads an active life.

Is it time, then, to nominate Jimmy Carter for sainthood? Well, let’s hold off on that for just a bit. Certainly, he’s done some good in the world, but I also sense an arrogance about him. This came through to me in several scenes of Man From Plains. Certainly, he seems fairly dismissive of critics, although one can argue that a man like Carter would naturally have to develop a thick skin. Even Demme, in the commentary, admits that Carter is somewhat egotistical, however. For much of the movie Carter interacts with his literary agent. He’s not unfriendly to her at all, but when the two speak, it’s clear that Carter’s the boss and that he‘s used to a certain amount of deference. From reading Carter’s book and hearing him in the film, I sense a bit of a puritan streak in him, as well. I think it’s fair to say that he holds both people and countries to a high moral standard. Of course, he seems to hold himself to that same standard, and there’s no doubt that these views have motivated him in his humanitarian causes.

Demme, to his credit, does not provide an adulatory work. I think it’s clear that he admires Carter, but he still portrays him in human terms. The documentary contains no narration, which, I think, proves an excellent choice. The camera simply follows Carter, and the viewer can follow along. Demme also doesn’t demonize Carter’s critics. A subplot involves Alan Dershowitz’s desire to debate Carter on the Middle East. Carter refuses, but Demme still gets some camera time with Dershowitz - and Dershowitz comes across quite well. He has strong feelings on the Middle East situation, but he articulates his reasoning well for the viewer. As for Demme - he seems less interested in Carter’s philosophy on the Middle East than in Carter himself. It’s arguably not Carter’s viewpoint that makes him admirable, but rather, his willingness to assess a situation, form an opinion and stick to his guns.

I don’t know if this film will change anyone’s mind about Jimmy Carter. In any case, I believe that it’s well worth seeing. If nothing else, it provides an intimate portrait of one extraordinary - and yet in some ways ordinary - American citizen.


Presentation
Jimmy Carter: Man from Plains is presented in 1.78:1 widescreen format. Audio is in English, Dolby Digital, and the film can be viewed with English or French subtitles.

Extras
The extras are generally worth watching. A thirty-three minute featurette shows musicians working on the film‘s score. Music fans will love these behind-the-scenes performances, although others may get bored. The deleted scenes are labeled “bonus scenes” on the menu and the term seems apt. Most are great scenes that just wouldn’t have fit seamlessly into the film. Highlights include Carter telling an amusing anecdote about his mother, Lillian Carter (He talks about her teaching sex education in India!), and Carter’s reflection on racial segregation in the American South. Director Jonathon Demme and producer Neda Armian provide a commentary track. They share some interesting anecdotes on the filming and insight into their thinking at the time. As good as the commentary was, though (and it was good), I sometimes wished that I hadn’t heard it. Demme’s adoration of Carter became abundantly clear, and part of me preferred just watching the film and forming my own impressions.

The Bottom Line
Director Jonathon Demme’s portrait of the former U.S. President is well worth a look. It’s a great film, and the extras actually enhance the viewing experience.

		Jimmy Carter: Man from Plains
4.5		Feature - A fresh, enjoyable look at America’s 39th President.
4.5		Video - It looked great to me.
4.5		Audio - It sounded good, too.
4		Extras - It’s not loaded with extras, but what’s here generally enhances the viewing experience.

4.5