Biographical documentaries often leave us pondering the correlation between a person's life and the length of their story on screen. Is a longer runtime a testament to a more significant life?
This question arises when comparing the treatment of various figures in recent documentaries. Mel Brooks and Maria Bamford's documentaries span four hours and 115 minutes, respectively, while Derek Jeter's docuseries consists of five episodes. Yogi Berra's recent documentary, on the other hand, is a mere 98 minutes long. The Beatles have enjoyed over 15 hours of documentary coverage in recent years, whereas Milli Vanilli's story was condensed into 106 minutes.
Enter 'Troublemaker', a 94-minute documentary by Antoine Fuqua about the iconic Nelson Mandela. The film's title is derived from Mandela's birth name, Rolihlahla, which translates to 'Troublemaker' in Xhosa. However, the film feels rushed and leaves viewers wanting more, especially given the richness of Mandela's life and legacy.
The documentary is based on interviews conducted for Mandela's autobiography, providing a hagiographic perspective. While Mandela's voice is a powerful guide, the film's brevity does it a disservice. It skims over crucial aspects of his life, such as the origins of apartheid and the impact of his contemporaries. The audience is left wishing for a more comprehensive exploration of Mandela's complex ideology and celebrity status, humanizing him beyond the hagiographic portrayal.
The animation by South African artist Thabang Lehobye is a standout feature, bringing Mandela's story to life with bold and evocative visuals. The audio, sourced from interviews with journalist Richard Stengel in 1992 and 1993, contributes to Mandela's memoir, 'Long Walk to Freedom', which was adapted into a film starring Idris Elba.
Mandela's words remind us that his resistance was not solely peaceful. The media's portrayal of him as a gentle figure in his later years belies his unwavering fight against a fascistic regime. However, the documentary struggles to give voice to the many figures who played significant roles in Mandela's life, including his wives Evelyn and Winnie, and his fellow activists and prisoners.
Director Fuqua adheres closely to the structure and limitations of the Mandela-Stengel interviews, which cover Mandela's childhood, revolutionary years, imprisonment, and eventual release and presidency. The film's brevity becomes apparent as it abruptly ends at a certain biographical point, leaving viewers with a sense of incompleteness.
The introduction of fellow activist and prisoner Mac Maharaj is a surprising twist. Maharaj's vivid memories propel the narrative forward, but his presence raises questions about the documentary's narrative choices. Why is he the only talking head, and why is he also an executive producer?
Lehobye's animation is a saving grace, seamlessly blending with archival footage and creating dreamlike transitions. As time passes and memories fade, the need for a comprehensive primer on Mandela's life becomes more pressing. One can't help but wish Fuqua had aimed for a lengthier runtime, allowing for a deeper exploration of this extraordinary figure and his impact on South Africa and the world.
