Stevie (2003)
A documentary about two Steves, really. On one hand we have Stephen Fielding, the titular Stevie whom was once director Steve James's 'little brother'. On the other, we have James himself. And the film, while ostensibly about the wreck that is Stevie's life and how he got here, is also an attempt by James to exorcise the guilt he feels at having left behind and forgotten Stevie many years prior. What we end up with is an occasionally troubling but undeniably potent and moving documentary about how cycles of abuse can perpetrate themselves and how, sometimes, just a little good in a bad world isn't always enough. I may question James's motives, but I can't deny the power of the film he's made. (Especially in a scene like the one where Stevie is reunited with his favorite foster parents -- that was absolutely wrenching.)
Grade: B+
A documentary about two Steves, really. On one hand we have Stephen Fielding, the titular Stevie whom was once director Steve James's 'little brother'. On the other, we have James himself. And the film, while ostensibly about the wreck that is Stevie's life and how he got here, is also an attempt by James to exorcise the guilt he feels at having left behind and forgotten Stevie many years prior. What we end up with is an occasionally troubling but undeniably potent and moving documentary about how cycles of abuse can perpetrate themselves and how, sometimes, just a little good in a bad world isn't always enough. I may question James's motives, but I can't deny the power of the film he's made. (Especially in a scene like the one where Stevie is reunited with his favorite foster parents -- that was absolutely wrenching.)
Grade: B+
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