Tell Them Who You Are

Tell Them Who You Are is a 2004 documentary film that compellingly explores the deep and complex relationship between an eminent Hollywood cinematographer and his son, who also happens to be the director of the film. Directed by Mark Wexler, the son of celebrated cinematographer Haskell Wexler, the film is an emotionally charged journey of discovery, reconciliation, and understanding that showcases a father-son dynamic in the throes of the Hollywood filmmaking industry.

The film is an intimate portrait of Haskell Wexler, an acclaimed professional who has worked on iconic films such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Bound for Glory and Days of Heaven, all of which have significantly marked his successful career in cinematography. Notably, Wexler is recognized as an outspoken political activist whose passion extends far beyond his craft, a compelling aspect of his persona amplified in the documentary.

Tell Them Who You Are begins by placing the spotlight on Haskell Wexler, showcasing his life immersed in a career filled with Hollywood glitz and glamor. It expertly weaves together a tapestry of colorful moments filled with anecdotes, milestones, and authentic snapshots of a life lived amongst Hollywood greats. As Wexler's story unfolds, the focus gradually shifts to expose the unique, fraught relationship with his son Mark.

In a highly unconventional move, Mark Wexler – an acclaimed documentarian himself – steps away from his usual objective position behind the camera to become a subject in this deeply personal story. This transition reveals a narrative that is as much about a father's influential career as it is about Mark’s struggle with adopting his own identity under the colossal shadow of a celebrated father.

The film unfolds as a series of conversations interspersed with behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and creative confrontations that shape Mark and Haskell's interactions. The director uses intensive chats on family history, cinema, and politics to expose the duo's ideological differences and personal incompatibilities. However, the dialogues spark curiosity instead of alienation, highlighting the emotional complexities that underpin their bond and the familial rift that simultaneously challenges and fuels it.

Tell Them Who You Are stretches beyond just a father-son bond and delves into broader themes like celebrity, success, legacy, and the often conflicting pulls of personal and professional lives. The friction and the delicate affections between Haskell, the hardened, politically driven cinematographer, and Mark, influenced by his father but with his own views and aspirations, provide an unexpected emotional undercurrent to the film. The tensions, told through Mark's perspective, offer rare glimpses into private moments shared between the two, making this film more than just a biographical documentary – it's also a psychological exploration of family, identity, and aspiration.

Adding texture to this deeply personal narrative are appearances from Hollywood A-listers like Jane Fonda, Sidney Poitier, Dennis Hopper, Billy Crystal, and others who had the opportunity to work closely with Haskell Wexler. They offer their insights about his professional attributes, his uncompromising work ethic, and his political ideology. These perspectives, combined with rare archival footage and family pictures, provide a layered understanding of Wexler's life and legacy.

Technically as well, Tell Them Who You Are offers a unique perspective due to the combined expertise of Mark and Haskell Wexler. The visual aesthetic of the documentary is poignant and compelling, a testimony to both the love for filmmaking and their shared genetic prowess.

Even while revealing Haskell’s exceptional contributions to the world of cinema, Mark Wexler never allows the narrative to become a simple reiteration of a celebrated resume. Instead, he maintains an emphasis on the personal aspects, as the title of the film suggests – 'Tell Them Who You Are', not what you are known for.

This documentary is a study in contrasts and a rare journey into the hidden dynamics of a famous, success-laden Hollywood family. It offers a unique take on the theme of an individual seeking identity within a powerful legacy, set against a multifaceted backdrop of a fast-paced, glamorous, yet personally challenging ordeal of Hollywood.

In essence, Tell Them Who You Are is a riveting, emotionally charged exploration of identity, familial responsibilities, and the enduring pull of legacy that is sure to enthrall any cinephile or general viewer with its rich, layered narrative. The impactful dialogues, intimate moments, and sequences revealing the magic of filmmaking make this movie a stand-out documentary in a league of its own.