Now Reading
JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE: Great Leader, Good Biography

JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE: Great Leader, Good Biography

Avatar photo
JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE: Great Leader, Good Biography

John Lewis was an important and loud voice in the Civil Rights movement since the 1960s. Having shed blood for the rights of the black community, he had a history of fighting for what is right with great vigor. Though Good Trouble does an excellent job showcasing his influence, it’s a documentary that’s a bigger bullhorn than a deeper dive into the man himself; yet, what with Rep. Lewis’ recent death, it is a good documentary to watch and appreciate all he has done for the United States of America.

The Good Fight

Posed in a non-linear format, the film does give us a few glimpses of the history and personal aspects of Lewis, limited so the film never loses sight of the struggle. While speaking directly to the camera and sometimes to a crowd, he tells his stories of legendary protests and how astonishing it was to meet Martin Luther King. He notes how nervous he was to meet such a figure, painting a picture of King as a greatly admirable and intimidating figure, the kind of guy Lewis would aspire towards with philosophy that was most powerful and words that rang true.

JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE: Great Leader, Good Biography
source: Magnolia Pictures

The camera follows Lewis in between events mostly, walking briskly between conferences and constantly checking election results. There are a few smiles and jokes in passing but for the most part, he seems to be all business. He rarely takes his eyes off the grander goals in politics. Yet he never feels too distant from people either. He speaks with some people after a speech and gets on a conversation about the cotton industry in Texas, carrying the topic on as he heads towards. The camera also follows him home for a bit to watch him affectionately feed his chickens, an act of responsibility that has lingered since his childhood.

But even at home, he remains laser-focused. The moment he steps out the door to grab the newspaper, he is silent and severe. He ventures back in for breakfast and to take in the news of the day. This is not an act he enjoys thoroughly as he admits to having nightmares that one day he’ll pick up the paper and so much of what he had fought for will be torn to shreds.

A Voice of Power

A few intriguing sections of the film find Lewis placed on a stage where he watches a big screen of footage from the protests he attended. He admits before watching that he has not seen this footage prior. There are few warm memories here, only silent contemplation and a remembrance of the struggle. In many ways, Lewis’s reaction remains firm about the plight still going on today. Before even watching the footage, the very first statement he makes on stage is that the fight for racial equality is not by any stretch over.

JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE: Great Leader, Good Biography
source: Magnolia Pictures

An appealing aspect of Lewis and his speeches is how blunt he is with his language. He doesn’t try to sugar-coat his message to make his points palatable for those not as knowledgeable of the concerns of race and rights in America. There’s so little time to be that clinical when the fires rage higher in Washington. His voice transmits a magnificent command to a room, inspiring those to soldier on in the political landscape.

The Good Words

A montage of his tours brings on the swelling music. The election nights where Lewis continually checks his phone has a tension to it. So much of Lewis’s work is so briskly covered that the documentary skates the line of being an extended political ad. One could quickly chop out his quick-cut speech sequence to create just that.

It’s not that John Lewis wasn’t a prominent figure but perhaps there should be more. The many interviews of family, co-workers, and Democrat colleagues who look up to him seem to have little to say past what is inferred by the archival and four years of newly recorded footage. Many Democrats speak highly of how, if it weren’t for Lewis, they wouldn’t be in their seats. The message seems most apparent the way Lewis and company crowd around multiple televisions on election night rooting for the blue.

Important Trouble

Though the focus on the immediate leaves less room for the personal appeal, the attention lavished on Lewis in his words and struggle is incredibly engaging. He relates to the audience by stating that he’s been arrested many times, both in and out of his government position. He expects to get arrested again. He believes he’ll get into trouble, but the good kind of trouble. The trouble that gets written about in history books and revered by leaders. And he hopes we’ll do the same.

JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE: Great Leader, Good Biography
source: Magnolia Pictures

Lewis hadn’t softened up on his activism even after having made it into Congress and being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama. His sharp words ring true in the present as most of the film rightfully narrows towards voting rights. These were rights that Lewis fought hard for decades ago and he was in no mood to watch them erode. The Trump administration has done him no favors and Lewis has gazed upon this President as a warning of how the troubling times of the past will come rumbling back. Where Trump’s base observes the mantra of Make America Great Again, Lewis notices red flags of the opposite. And considering Trump has slandered Lewis as being all talk and no action, it’s clear that Lewis’s fight was only getting tougher.

Conclusion: John Lewis: Good Trouble

Good Trouble is bursting with inspiration both powerful and essential, strong enough to be more than just a flowery portrait. John Lewis continuously exudes a message that we’re not alone in this battle for rights that are in danger of being infringed, urging his listeners to not become lost in a sea of despair. In many ways, this embodies what Lewis was all about when going off the more personal moments. He never felt off the clock, was always checking his phone and continually spoke to his supporters about what matters. The despair he had is brief, mere nightmares that drove him all the more. There’s no time to weep when there’s much work to be done.

Especially since Rep. Lewis passed away recently, this documentary is a great watch to celebrate all he has done for the United States during his lengthy career. Rest in peace, Rep. Lewis, and thank you.

Have you seen John Lewis: Good Trouble? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

John Lewis: Good trouble was released VOD on July 3, 2020.


Watch John Lewis: Good trouble

 

Does content like this matter to you?


Become a Member and support film journalism. Unlock access to all of Film Inquiry`s great articles. Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about cinema - get access to our private members Network, give back to independent filmmakers, and more.

Join now!

Scroll To Top