Jonathan Goodman Levitt’s “Follow the Leader” is a refreshingly, absorbing documentary that portrays the political process at ground level where the inspiration is sparked.
The film captures the compelling story of three young boys’ ambition to become president during the 2008 presidential election.
With a measured amount of involvement, the film introduces D.J., a shy and demure boy from Massachusetts, Nick from Pennsylvania and Ben from Fairfax, Virginia.
The three protagonists all share a conservative view and believe they will become president with time being the only impediment. However, the views and lives of the trio begin to evolve during the course of “Follow the Leader.”
Ben and Nick arrive at college where their views start shifting amidst the natural drama of the 2008 election. D.J. simply abandons his political career to enroll for pastor college in a bittersweet turn of events.
Despite the film’s political theme, viewers are able to see the characters’ raw humanity at certain points such as D.J.’s giddiness around women and the commonality of the American experience.
The nature of political rhetoric is filtered down to small talking points between fathers and sons, excellently capturing how the three boys grow up.
Levitt’s film is ultimately enjoyable because it encompasses the various interruptions and pratfalls of life instead of solely focusing on politics.
In addition, Levitt’s easygoing naturalism and ability to balance being apart of the action and framing the drama with a fly-on-the-wall tenacity creates an atmosphere of empathy.
Viewers will be sad to see the film end and left wondering what happens next to D.J., Nick and Ben.
“Follow The Leader” is playing at the Angelika Mosaic through Sept. 12 and is available through on demand on Itunes, Google Play, Amazon Instant, Xbox, Playstation and Vudu.
dkahen-kashi@theeagleonline.com
