User Reviews

The film Courting Condi is an interesting take on the documentary. It mixes dramatic comedy with a typical biographic style documentary, along with a few hilarious musical numbers. An inspiring musician is on a search to find the woman he believes he is in love with, Condoleezza Rice. He makes a deal with Sebastian Doggart, the director, that Sebastian would help him meet Condoleezza Rice if he could document his journey. On his quest to find her in Washington D.C. he makes a trip across the United States to learn about her childhood all the way to becoming part of the George W. Bush administration. The documentary has interviews with Rice's childhood friends to her colleagues at Stanford University. Also, comedic cameos from actors such as Adrian Grenier (Entourage) and Carol Connors. Although at certain points, Courting Condi praises Condoleezza Rice's life for her hard work and intellect, our protagonist is discouraged when he begins to learn from her Stanford Colleagues and other critics about her controversial life after 9/11. Doggart then begins to use the interviews and footage to voice his opinion on Rice and the rest of the Bush Administration. Although some audience's may view Doggarts film as an "attack" I believe that he is reminding us to always question authority and make audiences aware of the 'word-play' and manipulation the Bush administration used to hide their secrets. If the criticisms in the interviews aren't enough to keep the audience stimulated, then the satiric musical numbers are enough to keep anyone entertained. It is part mock documentary and journalistic documentary- think of Fahrenheit 9/11 and Spinal Tap. This film is truly creative.

Saw this on 13 November 2008 at a film festival in the UK. It starts out as a naive man trying to get close to Condi because he believes he's in love with her...touching comments from people who knew her as a child and young adult and more than a few humorous moments.

Later on, as the intrepid "hero" discovers what Secretary of State Rice has done to get to the top and in particular her actions post 9/11 the film becomes a somewhat savage attack on her, and sometimes discomforting even for a viewer who agrees with its sentiment.

But then worthwhile cinema isn't always easy going. This film is in parts funny, touching and savage...and is certainly unique.