Mr. Basketmaker’s Docu-Mendation #1

Hello folks! Most of y’all know that we love documentaries. And one day I said to myself “I really should share a good documentary when I come across one.” So that’s how  Mr. Basketmaker’s Docu-Mendation came about.

But first, I have a disclaimer of sorts. I am not an experienced critic so these posts will not be reviews of a documentary but more of a suggestion of one that I have enjoyed watching. Of course everything is subjective and all docs aren’t for everyone. With that said, let’s go over my criteria I use before I recommend a documentary:

What makes a good Mr. Basketmaker’s Docu-Mendation?

1. I Have to be Engaged in the First Five Minutes: This is a must. I have started and turned off many docs in the first five minutes. In my experience they don’t get better… period.

2. Subject Doesn’t Matter: Some of the best docs are about things I normally would have no interest in. Which means I check out a LOT of them.

3. They Need to Tell a Personal Story: People are the central factor in a good doc. The more interesting, or even more odd the person, the better.

4. No Main-Stream Historical Themes: No Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, etc. types. If you want this stuff, turn on the History channel.

5. The Day After Test: If I think of the film at least once the day after watching a particular doc, then it is worthy of my suggesting it.

So, with that being said, here is my first Mr. Basketmaker’s Docu-Mendation:

One evening I searched Netflix for a good documentary to watch. Because I enjoyed it so much I knew I wanted Lynne to see it the next night. Normally, I watch docs before encouraging Lynne to watch since for her, to sit through a whole movie, she needs a few facts about why it’s really good. Let’s just say she watched it in full.

The documentary is titled Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon

I’m making  this my first Docu-Mendation simply because I wanted the first one to be light and fun.

I found it on Netflix and when I was done watching, it hit on all five points of my “What makes a good Mr. Basketmaker’s Docu-Mendation.”

Normally I wouldn’t have ever watched this film. But my number two on my criteria list is “Subject Doesn’t Matter.”

The subject: a Jewish Hollywood agent.

Now, if you know me, you know I’m not a big fan of Hollywood. I can’t believe I gave this one a chance but I’m glad I did. The array of talented people that Shep Gordon touched throughout his life will keep you riveted. It’s a feel good doc and that goes a long way for me.

To view the film trailer click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYmIElhB0Ys

If you don’t have Netflix, you can rent it on Amazon for $3.99 and have 48 hours to watch it. Click image for link. 

And finally, please leave some comments, good or bad, as it will only encourage me.

Doc on!

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