American Radical - The Trials of Norman Finkelstein is a thought-provoking documentary that investigates the life and work of the controversial political scientist, Norman Finkelstein. This compelling film was directed by the passionate duo of David Ridgen and Nicolas Rossier, and released in 2009. Citizens from various walks of life have found the film useful, as it encourages viewers to challenge their preconceived notions and question the world around them.

The movie showcases many notable characters, such as Musa Abu-Hashhash, Nidal Barham, and Noam Chomsky, who help in narrating the complex and polarizing narrative of Finkelstein. Each of these protagonists provides a different perspective on Finkelstein, which helps to create a multifaceted portrayal of the man and his work.

Norman Finkelstein, the primary focus of the film, is a son of Holocaust survivors, a provocative scholar, and a renowned critic of Israeli policy in the Middle East. The Trials of Norman Finkelstein refers to his confrontations with very powerful enemies in academia, the media, and the government. The filmmakers delve into Finkelstein’s extensive body of work, and they tackle the controversial subjects that have strained his efforts to achieve tenure at DePaul University and caused him to be banned from Israel for a decade.

American Radical doesn't shy away from clasping the controversy surrounding Norman Finkelstein's contentious theories. The film is as bold and challenging as Finkelstein himself, whose academic works on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict ruffled many feathers, causing a stir in political, academic and social circles. His examinations of Israeli policy and lobbying have sparked heated debates on sensitive issues such as Holocaust reparations and Zionist politics, even causing him to face severe scrutiny and criticism.

Through a series of interviews, news clips, and excerpts from public speeches, the filmmakers humanize Finkelstein and illustrate his paradigm's nuances. The film does an excellent job of capturing the ethos of its protagonist. Finkelstein, though polarizing, is presented as an intelligent, passionate, and highly tenacious individual whose loyalty to his principles often places him at odds with his peers.

His long-standing academic feud with Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard law professor, is one of the film's more dynamic segments. Their intellectual battles, particularly over Finkelstein’s accusations of Dershowitz's plagiarism and inaccuracies in his book "The Case for Israel," provide a fascinating and drama-filled backdrop to the film.

The inclusion of dynamic and outstanding personalities like Noam Chomsky, a renowned linguist and philosopher, and Musa Abu-Hashhash, a field researcher for the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem, provides the documentary with a compelling mix of viewpoints from different angles. Their staunchly contrasting perspectives on Finkelstein’s theories further enrich the narrative, adding another layer of depth to the already complex subject.

Yet, this is not merely a political or academic film; it is also inherently personal. The filmmakers offer a rare insight into Finkelstein's private life, which is closely intertwined with his work. His childhood, largely shaped by his parents' Holocaust survival stories, and his experiences as a Jewish academic criticizing Israel make up a significant portion of his narrative and heavily influence his work.

Finkelstein's narrative, throughout, is undeniably engaging, and the filmmakers craft a sensitive and multifaceted portrait of a controversial figure whose vocal views often serve to inflame rather than harmonize. Yet, through the film's exploration of Finkelstein's work and his motivations, audiences may gain a clearer understanding of this polarizing figure. American Radical - The Trials of Norman Finkelstein is not merely a biographical account of Finkelstein's life; it is an invitation to foster dialogue, question easy answers and challenge prevailing worldviews.

While the documentary is primarily centered on Finkelstein, it resonates beyond the individual to question broader constructs of academia, politics, and free speech. Thus, American Radical - The Trials of Norman Finkelstein is a must-watch for those keen to grapple with difficult questions through the lens of a man who dedicated his life to questioning, and ultimately, shaking up the status quo.