June 26th, 2009
From Jason
So hopefully this comment contains some meaning rather than coming off as a shameless plug for a great documentary film…
Last night we attended the New York Premiere of the documentary William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe (http://www.disturbingtheuniverse.com). It was a wonderful film and a wake up call of sorts for me in a philosophical sense. Continue reading '“He didn’t wait for a movement to come along or for people to support what he was doing.”'»
By Jason Eckelman
“This is easily one of the very best documentaries I have ever seen. By turns a smart account of the history & politics of Kunstler’s life, a searing indictment of institutional racism in the US, and a brutally honest assessment of 2 daughters’ attitudes about and understanding (or, occasionally, lack thereof) of their father & his life, this documentary is mind-blowing. Even the Q & A was revelatory. I just loved this, and honestly can’t praise it enough. Simply put, a masterpiece. Don’t miss it~”
From: Nelson Cheng
Date: January 22, 2009 7:08:21 PM EST
To: info@off-center.com
Subject: William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe
Dear Emily and Sarah,
I had the good fortune of seeing your documentary on your father the other night in Salt Lake City. When I first saw the Sundance schedule, I was particularly curious about your film because having grown up in the NYC area, I was quite aware of your father’s work as a criminal defense attorney. To be entirely blunt, I have long be divided on your father. A man in possession of legal brilliance — I was often dismayed at how he often deployed his considerable talents.
I supposed that I too wished there was some overarching theme which would unify why he chose to defend who he did. I was surprised to learn that the two of you also searched for such a theme and even more surprised that you didn’t find one. Like many others, I too questioned my own rush to judgment after the Central Park jogger defendants were exonerated and thought of your father’s work in a new light.
Thank you for making a wonderful film. First of all, having grown up after your father’s civil rights work, I wasn’t aware of his work there and just how important it was. More importantly, your film helped me think of William Kunstler in an entirely new light — that of a man who would stand up when others wouldn’t — and the lessons that has for all of us.
Good luck in the competition and I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!
Sincerely,
Nelson Cheng
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