""Al Franken: God Spoke"" is an effective documentary, but probably not in the way the filmmakers intended. Directors Nick Doob and Chris Hegedus clearly want to portray Al Franken as a modern hero of the American left, bravely challenging conservative figures like Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly and Ann Coulter. Much is made of a potential 2008 U.S. Senate race in Minnesota between Franken and incumbent Republican Norm Coleman.
Indeed, the filmmakers do a good job showing Franken's genuine concern for the state of American politics. He seems more like a passionate college activist than the millionaire he is. Franken's cynical, calculated charm has brought him great success as a commentator. But the best moment in the film comes as Franken watches John Kerry concede the 2004 Presidential election. Tears roll down his cheeks; Franken comes down from his sarcastic pedestal and becomes just another heartbroken Minnesota progressive. Even if you voted for Bush, it's a powerful transformation.
But for most of ""Al Franken: God Spoke,"" he gives off an impulsive, egotistical vibe. There are several long clips of debates between Franken and his political enemies. In one, Franken debates Michael Medved on ""The O'Franken Factor,"" his radio show. As they speak, Medved misquotes Zell Miller's Republican National Convention speech. Before Medved has the chance to correct himself, Franken begins yelling at him. Franken is so quick to discredit Medved's opinions, and takes such neurotic satisfaction from doing so, that he seemingly can't pause long enough to allow a fair debate. In contrast, Medved is composed, friendly and curiously likeable.
In another clip, Franken debates his arch-nemesis, Bill O'Reilly, at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Those who've watched that debate will recall that participants were allowed 15 minutes for opening statements, but Franken spoke for 35. His behavior made everybody uncomfortable, including fellow panelist Molly Ivins. In ""Al Franken: God Spoke,"" O'Reilly is shown criticizing Franken for this violation. Are viewers supposed to applaud Franken for breaking the rules and taking extra time to embarrass O'Reilly? Indeed, it is difficult to watch these clips and form a positive view of Franken. Why do the pro-Franken filmmakers insist on showing moment after moment of their hero behaving inappropriately and being called out for it? Many snippets of O'Reilly calling Franken ""vile"" appear throughout the film. He's overreacting, of course, but this film comes way too close to proving his point. It's a rhetorical disaster.
Franken may be a thinking man's Michael Moore; certainly, his is a much more coherent juxtaposition of seriousness and comedy. But just as with Moore, after a while the sneaky digs and deadpan rebellion cease to be funny and start seeming sadistic and self-serving. There is no political reason for Franken to do his famous Kissinger impression for Henry Kissinger. Nobody can hope to be the Voice of the Left who can make even liberals feel embarrassed for the United States' seediest war criminal. Franken may have a heart, but it is too often trumped by his manic ego. ""Al Franken: God Spoke"" is a blast to watch because, let's face it, it's fun to watch people shaking up the system. But if the filmmakers think they've made a movie arguing for Al Franken's senatorial campaign, they should think again.
