Raise Hell: The Life & Times Of Molly Ivins

Raise Hell: The Life & Times of Molly Ivins is a stirring journey through the life of one of America’s feistiest, most unapologetic columnists, documentary-style. With a tagline that reads, “Speak Truth to Power, No Matter How High Up It Is,” the film is a poignant tribute to an influential woman whose sharp wit and outspoken political commentary challenged the status quo, earning her both admiration and criticism. Released in 2019 and helmed by director Janice Engel, this documentary was introduced and narrated by its subjects - Molly Ivins, Forrest Wilder, and Dave McNeely. The firsthand storytelling adds a palpable intimacy that draws the audience even closer to Ivins’ colourful and remarkable life.

The film starts with her early roots in her native Texas, tracing her journey from affluent Houston society to the civil rights battlegrounds of the 1960s. As a woman from Texas, her accent was a distinct characteristic that added charm to her fiery deliveries and her irreverent wisecracks. Even her childhood was influenced by early rebellion and societal norms that she found stifling, fostering a distinct voice that would later shape her career and the world of journalism itself.

The documentary goes on to explore Molly Ivins' entry into journalism - first through her college newspaper and then moving up to The Texas Observer - and her meteoric rise in the world of political critique and satire. It shows how she went from being a reporter in Minneapolis to becoming a nationally syndicated columnist, celebrated and scrutinised for her no-holds-barred commentary on politicians of every stripe.

Through archival footage, personal photographs, and interviews with Ivins herself, the film paints a vivid portrait of a woman who used her keyboard as a weapon and wasn't afraid to ruffle feathers along the way. Co-stars Wilder and McNeely provide additional commentary that enriches our understanding of Ivins not just as a columnist but as a friend, mentor, and source of strength amidst adversity. Their colorful anecdotes and personal experiences, paired with clips of Ivins' legendary speeches and newspaper columns, underscore her brilliance, tenacity, and relentless pursuit of truth.

Director Janice Engel masterfully presents this narrative with crisp authenticity, weaving a beautifully complex tapestry of one woman’s unconventional journey in journalism. The film makes an outstanding job of combining humour, politics, and the pugnacious spirit of Ivins herself to provide a watching experience that both educates and entertains.

A significant highlight of the film is Ivins's unparalleled sarcasm and wit, her unapologetic humor. Whether it's referring to a congressman as "so dumb he couldn't pour piss out of a boot with the instructions printed on the heel" or her infamous description of a politician as "all hat and no cattle," Ivins's politically charged jokes became hallmarks of her column and reflections of her audacious personality.

Moreover, Raise Hell: The Life & Times of Molly Ivins does not shy away from the more complicated aspects of her life. It details her battle with cancer and her struggles with alcoholism, revealing the human side of a woman often seen as larger than life. The film's honesty about Ivins's struggles adds depth to her character and reaffirms her courage to the audience.

Besides being a chronicle of Molly Ivins' life, the documentary is also an exploration of the power of journalism and the need for democracy. It serves as an ode to Ivins's firm belief in the importance of calling out public officials, holding them accountable, and "raising hell" for the sake of justice and truth. In its essence, the movie is a clarion call for courage, honesty, and tenacity in the face of power.

To summarize, Raise Hell: The Life & Times of Molly Ivins is an enthralling watch, best termed as a biographical portrait of a maverick. It is a celebration of Ivins' both political and personal battles, her razor-sharp wit, and her tireless passion for free and accountable media. The film will make you laugh, make you think, and above all, remind you of the indispensable role the truth must play in our society - just as Molly Ivins wanted. It is an inspiring testament to a brave and remarkable woman who continues to influence, entertain, and compel today - a definite watch for biography buffs and anyone interested in politics, journalism, or the captivating force of an unconventional spirit.