The new film from Morgan Spurlock (he directed the monster-hit Super Size Me) opens tomorrow in New York, and possibly wider.
The film is based on the premise of Morgan going to find Osama bin Laden somewhere in the Mideast. He reckons that it shouldn't be too difficult. What occurs is a travelogue through the Middle East, where Spurlock interviews everyday folks about their ideas on America, the Taliban, the war in Iraq. The problem is that I'm not sure Spurlock has crafted a good film.
I think one of the appeals of Spurlock is his "everyman" quality, and we can identify with him through his personal stories. With WITWIOBL, he tries to tackle subjects incredibly large, complex with no real answers/solutions. Sure, it's his personal voyage through these dangerous lands, but I didn't feel personally with him.
We understand that he has left his pregnant wife to go on this voyage, but we just don't see the issues involved, other than the odd phone call home to his wife.
Also, the opening to the film, which is animated, seems a bit too slick and over written. At times, the humor inflected falls flat.
Undoubtedly, the filmmaker is genuinely affected by his encounters and his thesis is clear. The ending on the other hand, is somewhat anti-climactic and muddled. It makes sense for Morgan Spurlock (the real life person/husband) to end the story with the decision he makes. Unfortunately, as a filmmaker, he leaves the audience ultimately, unsatisfied.
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