Jean Ziegler, The Optimism of Willpower 2016
Distributed by Kimstim, 417 13th Street #2,
Brooklyn, New York 11215
Produced by Emmanuel Gétaz
Directed by Nicolas Wadimoff
DVD , color, 93 min. English and French (English subtitles)
College
Criminal Justice, Ethics, Human Rights, International Relations, Political Science, Sociology
Date Entered: 03/27/2018
Reviewed by Andrew Koval, MSLSA biopic of socialist thinker Jean Ziegler. This piece delves into Ziegler’s work with the United Nations advocating for socio-economic justice worldwide. Colorful wordplay such as “mercenaries of multi-national corporations” and “vulture funds” portray capitalism as the enemy.
Ziegler is an ideologue, but the film is not socialist propaganda. This is apparent when in a segment where Jean is talking with locals in Cuba praising their political system. The locals then deride his idealism of their socialism as it relates to their obvious poverty. The perspective is not slanted to be in favor of Ziegler’s views establishing a sense of objectivity.
International relations, capitalism and socialism are primary concepts here. The viewer needs a base understanding of political systems to be able to discern the arguments presented. Best suited for those in academe, Jean Ziegler, The Optimism of Willpower will find an audience in those seeking to understand what happens when political theory is juxtaposed against application.