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Mayor Pete

Country: United States, Language: English, 96 mins

Gay | Documentary | 2022

Director: Jesse Moss
Writer: Jeff Seymann Gilbert, Amanda McBaine, Jesse Moss
Producer: Jon Bardin, Dan Cogan, Laurie David, Julie Gaither, Liz Garbus, Amanda McBaine, Jesse Moss, Regina K. Scully

CGiii Comment

Not an in-depth portrait of the squeaky clean, scripture spouting, first [openly] gay presidential candidate that was expected. Instead, a promotional film to help further his political career and popularity.

There is very little substance to this film and, surprisingly, there is even less policy...not exactly the best way to present/promote a politician. It would be interesting to find out how much 'control' Mr Buttegieg had over the final cut...because, if he did have any...it would seem that he far prefers to promote his personality and gay identity [yawn] over his policies. Policy is what gets you the votes...Jesse Moss' film may win him a few fans - let's hope they are registered to vote!

There is one particular cringeworthy scene when his husband is miffed that he was excluded from accompanying him on stage when all the other candidates had their significant others...fair point, it would seem. But, then again, a fairly trivial issue to throw a strop at...

This is politics, let's get serious. Alas, there is nothing particularly serious about this well-rehearsed, carefully constructed, self-serving promotional film.

Trailer...

The(ir) Blurb...

A riveting documentary from award-winning filmmaker Jesse Moss (BOYS STATE), MAYOR PETE brings viewers inside Pete Buttegieg's campaign to be the youngest U.S. president, providing unprecedented intimacy with the candidate, his husband Chasten, and their ambitious team.

From the earliest days of the campaign to his unlikely, triumphant victory in Iowa and beyond, this film reveals what really goes on inside a campaign for the highest office in the land ? and the myriad ways it changes the lives of those at its center. Recently appointed as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Buttigieg serves as the first openly LGBTQ+ Cabinet member in U.S. history.