“Raise Hell: The Life & Times of Molly Ivins” tells the story of media firebrand Molly Ivins, six feet of Texas trouble who took on the Good Old Boy corruption wherever she found it.
As a Texan born in the early ’90s, I’d honestly never heard of Molly Ivins. Her particular brand of fiery liberal incense mixed with potent wit and accented charisma makes her all the more exciting to rediscover after years of never knowing who she was. This documentary, illuminating her trajectory as a commentator, offers sharp insight and witful remark against a Good Ol’ Boy patriarchal expression.
Often, we take for granted the images before our eyes. How they connect to the ones before and after. The linear nature of film helps us to avoid ever thinking about the possible manipulation. That’s what I love about documentaries, I often find myself wondering why show those images in that order. Molly Ivins falls along similar standards.
To travel with her and see her grow feels great. Thankfully she meets conflict. She can’t challenge the conservative patriarchy of Texas without some blowback. The true fascination for this story derives from all those moments when she meets a new challenge. I do think it calls to attention her Texan nature by choosing to meet these challenges head-on and attacking all out.
Ultimately, I enjoyed the film, earning a small seat behind the curtain to peek in at political commentary. With the world as fractured as it is and as distrustful as it is, I enjoyed seeing someone make a living of butchering the more asinine political institutions on both the federal and national level. I always appreciate a chance to see my state on the big screen. If you’re a liberal Texan then give this movie a whirl. If you’re not… well, Molly Ivins probably wouldn’t care. Cheers, ya’ll!
In select theaters Friday, August 30th
