1. Dear Zachary: A Letter To A Son About His Father (2008)
A film is at its best when it makes you feel something. I am not talking about the films that are entertaining, providing slight escapes into the fantastic, but something more substantial. There are few films that grab you by your heart and demand that you take notice. For that brief period that it is on screen it is your main focus. All else melts away and you are taken to another place.
Dear Zachary is one of those films. Kurt Kuennes best friend is Andrew Bagby. The two grew up in San Jose, California and found similar weird sensibilities in each other. Kurt, an aspiring filmmaker even at a young age, would make small amateur films that Andrew would happily star in. As the two grew older Andrew continued to support Kurt, investing in projects despite the little money he had. When Andrew was found murdered, leaving behind a baby son named Zachary, Kurt was torn apart. In hopes of showing Zachary just how great a man his father was, Kurt decided to display Andrew the best way he knew how, on film. However, the story didnt end with Andrews murder and a cinematic scrapbook ends up turning into a true-crime thriller. I cannot name another film that has had such a dramatic effect on my own psyche. Director Kurt Kuenne utilizes a style of quick cuts that conveys a frantic sensibility that often leaves your head spinning. The story of Andrew Bagby is heartbreaking. A beloved son and friend, nigh a bad word is spoken regarding his character. His poor judgment in romance, budding from a deep and unfairly low self esteem, results in his demise. The admiration and love heaped on his memory never crosses into the saccharine and reads as nothing other than genuine. As the story continues to unfold and upsetting truths emerge, the film drags you farther in, whether you want it to or not. As the road veers towards true-crime Andrews parents David and Kathleen shine as beacons of parental hope and righteousness. Over the relatively short runtime of 93 minutes you will run the emotional gamut, bouncing all over from fiery hatred, to passionate spectator until most likely devolving into a sobbing mess.
Dear Zachary will tear out your insides and show them to you, providing an emotionally draining experience that will stay with you for years to come.
Have a few other documentaries you think should be on the list? Disagree with any of my choices? I kind of killed it, right? Let us know in the comments below and go watch a documentary.