Harvey Milk proclaimed, "Politics is theater. It doesn't matter if you win. You make a statement," and three New York-based filmmakers-Daniel Robbins, Zack Weiner, and Joe Gallagher-embody that ethos in their film Citizen Weiner, a fearless vision that blurs the boundaries between narrative and reality.
When the entertainment industry shut down during the global pandemic, Zack Weiner did what any actor would naturally do-he ran for New York City Council and turned it into a movie. Though it feels uncomfortably eerie in the context of today's world, the similarities end there. Zack and campaign manager Joe Gallagher (his friend and co-star from Pledge) crafted a platform driven by a commitment to tangible change over empty rhetoric. They aimed to inspire others to engage with local politics, proving that small efforts can create meaningful ripples in their communities. Their bid tackled real challenges, including helping a local business owner in search of a kidney donor and organizing a pop-up shop for Obocho's Closet-a children's clothing co-op founded by twelve-year-old Obocho Peters and his mother to provide affordable clothing for underprivileged families.
Despite their unconventional approach, Zack's run for office struggled to gain traction, especially early on. Polls revealed a harsh reality: more voters indicated they would rather leave the seat vacant than elect Zack. Yet their unwavering optimism kept the effort moving forward, undeterred by skepticism and a lack of support-because, after all, everyone loves an underdog tale.
Citizen Weiner frames itself as a candid look at Zack's campaign, leaning into the aesthetics of a traditional documentary so effectively-thanks to the ingenuity of director Daniel Robbins and the performances of its ensemble-that some viewers have left believing it's entirely real. But the project quickly subverts expectations, weaving authentic moments with orchestrated, widely improvised scenes among the colorful cast of characters on Zack's team. Opinions on Zack's chances varied depending on who you asked-especially when facing a formidable opponent like "old reliable" Gale Brewer. Yet, Zack's name appeared on the ballot, and real votes were cast, adding an unforeseen layer of legitimacy to the effort.
Drawing comparisons to projects like Borat and Parks and Recreation, Citizen Weiner sets itself apart with the unparalleled commitment of its cast. From Zack's unpolished charm as an outsider candidate that makes him both relatable and ridiculously entertaining, to Joe's quick wit and steadfast determination as his campaign manager, each performance adds depth and hilarity to the narrative. Zack's mom, Cherie Vogelstein-reluctant to be filmed-provides comedic gold with her off-the-cuff moments, while Sarah Coffey as the campaign's communication director delivers a dry humor that perfectly counters the chaos around her. Aaron Dalla Villa amps up the absurdity with his portrayal of an over-the-top security guard and possible drug dealer, and James Watson as the hilariously unqualified financial director-whose role feels oddly timely (and depressing) given today's headlines-adds yet another layer of satire. Then there's Dan Bright, a renowned election lawyer who wasn't in on what was happening with the movie, yet his candid, often shocking commentary makes it hard to believe he isn't an actor. Together, this colorful cast fully inhabits their roles, navigating the delicate space between performance and real-world interactions with impressive finesse.
This approach required not only originality but also a careful balance to ensure the comedy remained incisive yet never exploitative. By blending authenticity with improvisation, the cast brought an unpredictable vitality to the project, elevating it into a distinctively clever and respectful exploration of political theater. A standout example of this is seen in their inventive efforts to secure the signatures needed to get Zack on the ballot, from outrageous street performances to hilariously offbeat conversations with skeptical New Yorkers, and even uninvited jogs with unsuspecting runners during their morning workouts. These instances capture not just the wit of the cast but also the delightful eccentricity of life in the city, where anything-and anyone-can become part of the show.
Director Daniel Robbins deserves equal praise for his exceptional direction of Citizen Weiner. An emerging talent in the industry, Robbins proves that a modest budget doesn't mean sacrificing ambition or vision. He masterfully employs the language of technology to enhance the narrative, using it to support the tale of a city council campaign without overshadowing it. His strategic use of music subtly guides the audience's emotions, creating the right atmosphere without drawing attention to itself. Robbins' ability to focus on what matters most ensures that even with over 100 days of footage, every scene serves the story and delivers a satisfying climax for the audience.
The movie's most shocking moment comes with a scandal that erupts mid-campaign, a twist that will leave you gagged. It's best left unexplored until you experience it firsthand. With each unforeseen turn, Citizen Weiner rewards the viewer's investment, ensuring the climax is as satisfying as it is surprising.
Citizen Weiner casts its ballot for bold, inventive filmmaking, and it's a landslide victory. Robbins blends satire and sincerity masterfully, turning a political underdog story into a frontrunner for one of the year's best films.
