What the critics are saying



“Generous in spirit and nimble in technique, this riveting documentary about the Republican operative (who died of a brain tumor in 1991) reveals a scrappy genius rife with contradictions.” - Jeannette Catsoulis, NY Times Critic’s Pick

“In the can’t-look-away documentary “Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story,” there is more than one moment that will likely pop your jaw open…Wow.” - Neely Tucker, Washington Post #1 Can’t Miss Pick

“It will evoke blood-spitting rage or resounding awe. Either way, it’s a hugely entertaining, efficiently crafted documentary about a ruthless, if undeniably clever, American political force.” - Gary Goldstein, LA Times

“Dazzling” - Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald

“A fascinating portrait of an almost likable rogue…It makes a companion piece to Oliver Stone’s W…a remarkable portrait…heartbreaking.” - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

“Astonishing and compelling” - Jeffrey Lyons, Reel Talk

“Though he won’t have the scratch to campaign for it, Forbes could find himself among the elite docs for major awards consideration, judging from critical raves from the likes of the New York Times and the Washington Post.” - Terry Stanley, Hollywood Reporter

“Excellent…astounding…will stick to your ribs like molasses on barbecue.” – Linda Stasi, NY Post

“This finely crafted political biography dissects and explains the nastiness of US politics during the past three decades like nothing I have read or viewed. It nails down every claim it makes…it will make you seethe. Don’t miss this documentary.” – David Zurawik, Baltimore Sun

“Fascinating!” - Ella Taylor, LA Weekly Critic’s Pick

“An excellent and frightening documentary” - Gerald Peary, Boston Phoenix

“Immensely relevant, compelling…Honestly, every adult in America should see it before casting another vote.” - Elizabeth Weitzman, NY Daily News

“Stefan Forbes’ incisive portrait of the late, infamous Republican consultant is a chronicle of how the culture war took over American politics. As such, it could scarcely be more timely…terrific!” - Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

“One of the very best political documentary films of the year…powerful and strangely moving…Avoiding the didactic tone of too many political films, director Stefan Forbes has created a fascinating biopic…a terribly relevant warning about what is coming as Atwater’s heirs unveil the distortions and distractions they hope will elect John McCain.” - Joe Conason, NY Observer

“A must-see” - Jonathan Martin, Politico.com

“A compelling portrait of one of the great con men of modern American politics…bracing…worth watching…why are we so easily manipulated into voting our fears?” - Patrick Goldstein, LA Times

“Scalpel-sharp…induces shivers.” - Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle

“Can you understand American politics if you don’t understand Lee Atwater? I believe not.” - Tucker Eskew, Senior McCain/Palin Advisor

“A model of sharp pacing. Lensing and interviewees are faultless.” - Variety

“Amazing” - Doug Polisin, Movie Maker Magazine

“Superbly shot and edited, Boogie Man is a raucous hidden history of modern politics, revealing how Atwater’s behind-the-scenes work tipped elections—and taught Republicans how to win at any cost.” - James Rocchi, Mother Jones

“Mesmerizing, remarkable…a sensationally entertaining doc… it could cash in on election fever and rope in some true believers on both sides, perhaps even drawing Oscar’s attention…writer/director Stefan Forbes has crafted one of the most useful and eye-opening political documentaries of our times.” - BoxOffice.com

“I thought I’d seen enough of  American electoral politics until I watched Boogie Man. This is a superb film - caustic, humorous and totally unforgiving.” - Nick Fraser, BBC Commissioning Editor

“A masterpiece” - Thom Hartmann, The Thom Hartmann Show

“Rambunctious…eye-opening” - The New York Sun

“Phenomenally good. A riveting look into the life and mind of Lee Atwater, the mastermind of contemporary slash-and-burn politics.” - Drew Westen, author, The Political Brain

“Intense…compelling…will touch hearts on both sides of the aisle.” - Christian Toto, The Washington Times

“A timely exploration of the rise of the Right, the forces shaping modern politics, and a humanistic, mirror-like indictment of American repression, power-lust, and complicity. Without a trace of pandering, Forbes takes us on a riotous journey through the last few decades in search of our collective American soul.” - Taylor Segrest, Documentary Magazine

“Fascinating” - Village Voice

“A provocative, timely, and compelling film.” - Barbara Kopple

“Gov’t. Mule and Lightning Hopkins are part of the coolest blues soundtrack you will ever hear on a political documentary.”  - Brad Schreiber, Entertainment Today