Watch Tell Them Who You Are

Tell Them Who You Are is a 2004 documentary film directed by Mark Wexler about his relationship with his father, the acclaimed cinematographer Haskell Wexler. Produced by Mark Wexler and Robert DeBitetto, the film showcases an intimate insight into the artistic, professional and personal life of Haskell Wexler, who has worked on iconic films including One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Conversation, In the Heat of the Night, and Bound for Glory, among others.

The film follows Haskell Wexler at the age of 81, as he reflects on his life and career, and explores the complex relationship between father and son. Through interviews with family members and colleagues, including Dennis Hopper, Sydney Pollack, Jane Fonda, and Michael Douglas, the film depicts the life of a man who was driven by his passion for film and social justice.

Mark Wexler, who is also a filmmaker, takes a personal journey into the life of his father, who he describes as an enigmatic and intense figure. The film reveals the tension between the two, as Mark struggles with his own identity as a filmmaker while living in the shadow of his father's success. Through their debates and conversations, the film shows the complex dynamics of a father-son relationship, as they grapple with different creative visions and personal differences.

Haskell Wexler's proclivity for political activism is also explored in the film. He was an early supporter of the civil rights movement in the 1960s and actively participated in protests against the Vietnam War. The film showcases Haskell's unwavering commitment to social justice through interviews, archival footage, and glimpses into his personal life. One of the most captivating moments in the film is when Haskell Wexler and Jane Fonda take an emotional trip back to Vietnam, revisiting the locations where they shot their revolutionary documentary, Introduction to the Enemy, during the Vietnam War.

One of the most poignant moments in the film is when Haskell Wexler is asked by his son about his greatest achievement. Haskell responds that it was his work on Medium Cool, a groundbreaking film he directed and shot in 1969, which blurred the line between documentary and fiction. The film was a scathing criticism of mainstream media and explored themes of social inequality and the Vietnam War. The film's critical success was overshadowed by its controversial depiction of the real-life events that happened during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Throughout the film, Mark Wexler struggles to reconcile his relationship with his father while reflecting on his own insecurities as a filmmaker. He looks for answers in his father's work and reflects on the lessons he learned growing up with such an iconic figure. The film is a powerful reminder of how one's relationship with their father can impact their choices and beliefs, and the importance of understanding where one comes from.

Tell Them Who You Are is a must-watch for aspiring filmmakers and anyone interested in the evolution of cinema. The film is a rare glimpse into the life of a cinematographer whose work helped shape American cinema in the 20th century. It is also a moving portrait of a father-son relationship, its complexities, and its timeless truths.

Tell Them Who You Are is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 72.