William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe

William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe (2009) is a fascinating biographical documentary that presents an intriguing examination of the life and work of one of the most famous civil rights lawyers of the 20th century, William Kunstler. The film juxtaposes interviews, archival footage, and a narrative commentary to narrate a compelling and informative portrait of a man who dedicated his life to fight for social justice. The film, directed by Kunstler's daughters Emily Kunstler and Sarah Kunstler, offers a unique intimate perspective into the life and career of an icon of legal history and civil rights activism.

The charismatic figure of William Kunstler, known for his flamboyant courtroom style and passionate advocacy, dominated the legal scene from the 60s to the 90s. His legacy encompasses some of the most notorious legal cases in American history, defending marginalized groups and controversial figures with equal fervor. His clients include Martin Luther King Jr., the Chicago Seven, inmates involved in the Attica Prison riots, and even organized crime figures.

The documentary features interviews with an array of influential personalities such as Herman Badillo, former Bronx borough president, and U.S Representative; Harry Belafonte, a renowned singer, actor, and civil rights activist; and Clyde Bellecourt, co-founder of the American Indian Movement. The collective testimony of these figures helps to create a multilayered depiction of Kunstler's impact, both in the courtroom and on the perceptions of civil rights and social justice in American society.

One of the most unique aspects of the film is the intensely personal perspective offered by the filmmakers, as Kunstler's daughters recall their home growing up as a place of refuge for activists, revolutionaries, and controversial figures of all backgrounds. Through their eyes, we see a different side of Kunstler – not just the attorney vehemently arguing for social justice in court but also the father and family man at home who managed to balance his work and family life amidst constant media spotlight and threats.

The film reveals the personal evolution of Kunstler's own ideology, as he transitioned from a traditional lawyer to an icon of the radical left. Archival footage demonstrates how Kunstler transformed from a middle-class lawyer who loved to argue cases to an individual who broke societal norms, pushed boundaries, and questioned the status quo. The documentary also engages with the controversy surrounding Kunstler's decision to represent notoriously contentious figures later in his career - a move that perplexed many of his comrades and led some to question his motivations.

William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe does not just paint an awe-inspiring portrait of Kunstler but also provides an insightful commentary on the state of civil liberties, legal justice, and activism during his active years. However, it should be noted that while the documentary does attempt to provide a balanced perspective, it undoubtedly lacks some critical viewpoints of Kunstler's detractors, given the personal relationship between Kunstler and the directors.

The documentary also reflects on Kunstler's belief in the transformative power of law as a tool to combat social injustice. He passionately believed that courtrooms were the battlegrounds for societal change and relentlessly strived to utilize his skill as a lawyer to fight for social justice.

The film also refers to the hostile political and cultural climate of the periods Kunstler was active in, serving as a poignant reminder of the times that shaped him as a lawyer and an activist. As such, the documentary is not just a biography of William Kunstler, but also a thought-provoking meditation on the history of civil rights, protest movements, judicial system, and social unrest in America.

In summary, William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe is a captivating exploration of the life and impact of one of the most enigmatic and significant figures in the American legal scene of the 20th century. It is a profound tribute from two daughters to their father - a man who had profound faith in law and justice, a deep sense of empathy for the underdog, and a commitment to upending a system that he saw fraught with inequality and injustice.