The Elusive Legacy of Mario Cuomo: A Documentary Review
The new documentary 'Mario' attempts to capture the life and political journey of Mario Cuomo, a man whose words and ideals still resonate in American politics. However, the film faces a unique challenge: how does one portray a figure who is often remembered more for what he didn't do than for his actual accomplishments?
Mario Cuomo, a former governor of New York, is a fascinating character in the political landscape. His famous quote about politicians campaigning in poetry and governing in prose sets the tone for this documentary. It's a quote that has become almost cliché, yet it encapsulates the essence of Cuomo's story.
The film, directed by the Kunhardt trio, is a blend of hagiography and pragmatism. It yearns to showcase Cuomo as the ideal politician, but also struggles to reconcile this image with the reality of his political career. Cuomo's decision not to run for president in 1988, despite the high expectations, left a sense of unfulfilled potential.
One of the strengths of the documentary is its exploration of Cuomo's personal life and the influences that shaped him. Born during the Great Depression, Cuomo witnessed the impact of FDR's New Deal on his immigrant family, which undoubtedly influenced his progressive ideology. His upbringing in Queens, during a time of political and social unrest, further adds to his complex character.
However, the film falls short in its attempt to humanize Cuomo. While it includes anecdotes about his competitive nature and his family life, these moments feel like mere footnotes in a larger narrative. The presence of his children, especially Chris and Andrew, adds a distracting element, perhaps due to their own controversial political careers.
The documentary also struggles to find a balance between Cuomo's public and private life. It delves into his religious devotion and how he integrated Catholicism into his progressive politics, but fails to explore this aspect further. The internal conflicts and contradictions within Cuomo, which could have provided a rich narrative, are only superficially touched upon.
What makes this documentary intriguing is its ability to evoke a sense of 'what could have been'. Cuomo's famous 1984 Democratic National Convention speech, masterfully written and delivered, serves as a reminder of the Democratic Party's past glory. Yet, the film inadvertently highlights the party's struggle to find a successor who can match Cuomo's oratory skills and ideological clarity.
Personally, I find the film's impact to be more intellectual than emotional. It prompts questions about the evolution of political discourse and the Democratic Party's current challenges. Why has the party struggled to produce leaders with Cuomo's ability to articulate a compelling and inclusive message? Is it a reflection of changing political landscapes or a shift in the very nature of political leadership?
'Mario' is a dry but thought-provoking documentary. It may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it serves as a reminder of the power of political ideals and the complexities of translating them into action. In the end, it leaves us with a lingering sense of curiosity about the man, his legacy, and the evolving nature of American politics.
