Spellbound

Year: 2002

Grade: B+

Country: USA

Director: Blitz

Review

this is what a good docmentary looks like. that’s not to say this is the best documentary i’ve ever seen, but this one does define the genre. it follows nine kids as they compete in the national spelling bee. we’re introduced to each of them in the first half and the second half follows the compatition. like “trekkies,” spellbound deals with a very particular segement of society and brings their group and individule identity(s) to the fore. it’s well-edited…particularily the final sequence which ties everything in a nice knot while deelaying the climax for half a beat. besides the natural drama that a national spelling bee provides, the film has found some interesting kids to follow. from immagrants to overacheevers the kids have their own personnel dramas that add to the enjoyment of the peice. overall a worthwhile, welldone, compelling and ultimately very human opus. p.s. yes, the spelling errors were purposeful.