Watch Journeys with George

Journeys with George is a 2002 documentary that follows the 2000 presidential campaign of George W. Bush. The film was shot by Alexandra Pelosi, a young NBC producer who was assigned to cover the campaign. Pelosi's access gave her an intimate look at the inner workings of the campaign and the personality of the candidate himself. She captures the everyday moments of the grueling campaign schedule, from the early-morning flights to the late-night rallies.

The film is shot in classic cinema verite style, which immerses the viewer in the action and makes them feel like a part of the campaign. Pelosi's camera is unobtrusive, allowing the subjects to forget they're being filmed and revealing candid moments that show the human side of the politicians.

The documentary also provides a fascinating look at how the media works. Pelosi's behind-the-scenes access shows the reporters who travel with the campaign, including the Texas political reporters R.G. Ratcliffe and Wayne Slater.

Pelosi captures the tension between the reporters and the Bush campaign, with both sides trying to spin the news in their favor. She also shows how the reporters, who are often stuck in the same airplane or bus for days on end, form relationships with the candidates and each other.

But the heart of the film is George W. Bush himself. Pelosi's access allows us to see the man behind the campaign persona. We see him interacting with reporters, voters, and even his own family members in unguarded moments.

Bush comes across as charming, funny, and personable. He seems to genuinely enjoy the campaign trail, and his enthusiasm is infectious. At the same time, Pelosi doesn't shy away from showing his flaws; we see him stumbling over his words and getting testy with reporters who ask tough questions.

The film also captures the excitement and drama of election night. We see the Bush camp celebrating their victory, while the Al Gore camp struggles to accept their defeat. Pelosi's camera is there as Bush gives his victory speech, and the emotion is palpable.

Overall, Journeys with George is a fascinating documentary that provides a unique glimpse into the world of presidential campaigns. Pelosi's access to the Bush campaign gives the viewer an intimate look at the candidate and the people who surrounded him on the trail.

The film is also a valuable historical document, as it captures a moment in time when the country was deeply divided and the outcome of the election was uncertain. Whether you're a political junkie or just someone interested in how campaigns work, Journeys with George is a must-see film.

Journeys with George is a 2003 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 48.