Meeting Gorbachev

Few political concepts captivated the world as much as “perestroika.” Although there’s not one person responsible for the falling dominoes that was the Eastern Bloc in its final stages, if we were to name but one, that title would go to Mikhail Gorbachev. Such sentiment guides MEETING GORBACHEV, the latest documentary from the master of the form, Werner Herzog, co-directed with André Singer. The film, centered around the direct interview with Gorbachev as he looks back on his career, is a passionate and at times deeply personal homage, an expression of measured hope, at a time when democracy is again at risk in Europe and beyond. Herzog, whose films range from wondrous documentary GRIZZLY MAN, to myriad features, among them STROSZEK and JEDER FÜR SICH UND GOTT GEGEN ALLE, aims this time for a straightforward portraitist style. He frames Gorbachev’s biography via voiceover and archival footage, with sparing interviews with key public figures. As always, Herzog delights in idiosyncrasies: a box of sugar-free chocolates for his diabetic idol, a sign – not ominous, yet poignant – when the “G” in the great man’s last name gets squashed. As Herzog says, an encounter “marked by History.” (Ela Bittencourt)