The Obamas’ latest documentary sheds light on an underrecognized civil right’s issue 

On March 25, Michelle and Barack Obama’s production company Higher Ground Productions released its latest documentary on Netflix. “Crip Camp” focuses on the foundations of the disabilities rights movement and a summer camp where many of its activists got their start. “Crip Camp” was co-directed by Jim Lebretch and Nicole Newnham.

The first half of the film follows the teenagers who attended Camp Jened, a summer camp for teenagers with disabilities in New York. The camp was established in 1951 and had a traditional camp structure, however, the influence of the following decades certainly shifted the camp’s reputation. 

“As it evolved in the ‘60s and the ‘70s, what we tried to do was provide a kind of environment where teenagers could be teenagers without all the stereotypes and labels,” explains Larry Allison, the director of the camp, in the film. 

It became known as a sort of “hippie” camp, where teens with disabilities could listen to music, play sports and even experiment with drugs. With minimal adult supervision, the campers and counselors all worked together to create a positive environment for everyone at the camp. 

“What we saw at that camp was that our lives could be better,” said Jim Lebretch, co-director of the documentary and former camper at Jened. “I had to try to adapt. I had to fit into this world that wasn’t built for me. It never dawned on me that the world was ever gonna change.”

The liberatory sensation of the camp led to a ripple effect of activism from the campers in the years to follow. The second half of the film depicts the impact of Jened’s positive environment that led to real-world change. 

Pioneer of the disabilities rights movement Judith Heumann attended the camp from age nine to 18. Unable to walk after having contracted polio, Heumann was told she could not attend her local public school because she would be a “fire hazard.” But she learned her worth after attending Jened so many years. 

Not only did Huemann found Disabled in Action, she was also on the front lines of many key battles in the fight for equality. She sued the New York Board of Education and won after being denied a teaching license due to her wheelchair, and she led a sit-in on Madison Avenue after President Nixon vetoed the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The highlight of the film was the coverage of the 504 Sit-In of 1977. After failing to enforce the legislation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Huemann and several other former campers occupied the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare offices across the country. 

The film depicts the strength and determination of the disabled community through these moments with grainy, first-hand footage of the demonstration. People sang and chanted to keep spirits up over their 23-day stay in the building. 

While it was especially difficult for those with disabilities to go so long without proper help or care, they remained until change was made. Huemann and the other campers were used to working alongside other people with disabilities from Camp Jened. The footage of a crowded room full of people in wheelchairs and canes helping one another survive is truly powerful. 

Though the building cut off the phones, the deaf community was able to sign through the windows to communicate with the outside world. The demonstrators received help from the local Black Panther chapter who provided hot dinners and food to sustain them everyday. And a lesbian bar owner washed people’s hair after the building’s water was turned off. 

As ‘70s funk music plays in the background, the viewer witnesses the selflessness of dozens of civil rights groups across the spectrum working to effect real change in the world. At its core, this is what the film is truly about. From Camp Jened to the frontlines of the disability rights movement, the campers learned how to work together, despite differences, to achieve a common goal. The film is empowering and brings humanity to those featured in it.

“With footage capturing profound mealtime discussions and playful asides alike, the movie not only proves the value of the camp but manages to turn its eager happy faces into a practical statement on the way inclusivity can stimulate future progress,” Eric Kohn writes in Indie Wire. “Notably, [the directors] restrict the story to the perspectives of their disabled subjects (Larry Allison, the valiant camp director, has been relegated to a supporting character throughout), so there’s never even the lingering possibility of devolving into a pity party. The movie doesn’t just celebrate Camp Jened; it hovers in the confines of its ethos.”

The documentary was met with positive reviews and a score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. It pays respect and honor to a civil rights movement that is often forgotten.

Written by: Alyssa Ilsley — arts@theaggie.org

The influence of influential parents

Nepotism is nothing new in Hollywood. In fact, it’s rather common knowledge that it’s nearly impossible to break into the industry without connections. With practically every good role going to someone with a recognizable last name or a producer parent, why is nepotism in the entertainment industry not talked about more? It’s hard to find reliable resources on children of influential parents because so much that pops up are slideshows on gossip blogs or Quora answers. In its attempt to hold up an image of authenticity and hope, Hollywood sweeps its extensive network of connections under the rug — and, along with it, the careers of hopeful, non-nepotism-benefiting actors.

If so many celebrities had their foot in the door when they began, why don’t they mention it? Many stars are self-conscious about how they got their start. It’s a lot more endearing to have an underdog story than to have success planned for you from birth. Some celebrities are upfront about their nepotism privilege. The Pinkett-Smith family is well-known as a unit. Children Jaden and Willow don’t go out of their way to hide their obvious connections; it’s well known their careers are heavily attributed to the success of their parents. For some celebrities, it’s too obvious to hide. Respected actress Drew Barrymore’s family is known for its long line of famous actors, and Barrymore doesn’t try to hide her lineage.

The notion of unearned success is too difficult for some to bear. Lately, with celebrities more accessible than ever, young actors are pushing harder to prove they fought for where they are. 

In an interview with Variety, “Stranger Things” breakout star Maya Hawke was asked about her audition process for Quentin Tarentinto’s latest film “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” She was adamant that she “auditioned like everyone else,” citing a simple call from her agent and a self tape in her bedroom with her dad. What was absent, but implied, from Hawke’s reply was that her father is famous actor Ethan Hawke. Her mother is famous actress Uma Thurman, well regarded as the muse of Quentin Tarentino. Zoë Kravitz, star of Hulu’s “High Fidelity” claimed her famous parents (Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz) had nothing to do in her casting in George Miller’s 2015 hit “Mad Max: Fury Road.” “George Miller doesn’t f-cking care who my parents are,” Kravitz said. 

It is undeniable that nepotism has given us some of our most distinguished, beloved performers of all time. But it is impossible to ignore the obvious consequence: the neglect of less connected actors. The imbalance is apparent when you realize how many household names are the spawn of previous household names. There are countless untalented actors given chance after chance because their parents are footing the bill and countless talented actors out of a job because of it. It’s also impossible to say all products of nepotism are untalented (though many do have access to the best learning materials very early on). Until the entertainment industry addresses this imbalance, their elisitim will do nothing but ruin the quality of their own product.

Everyone’s understanding of nepotism is different. It varies based on your age, your exposure to media and your likes and dislikes. For example, I know of many nepotism-produced celebrities because of my unexplainable need to read the Wikipedia page of every actor I see. This list provides a mix of established and up-and-coming actors who you may or may not have known have influential parents.

Laura Dern (“Jurassic Park,” “Marriage Story,” “Little Women”) 

Older generations are sure to be familiar with the recent Academy Award winner’s lineage, but for the younger readers: Dern is the daughter of Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd, two Oscar-nominated actors.

Rashida Jones (“Parks and Recreation,” “The Office”) 

Nepotism doesn’t just come from parents in the movie industry, privilege stems from all types of influence. Jones is the daughter of 28-time Grammy winner Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton.

J.J Abrams (Director, “Star Wars”) 

The acclaimed director sold his first screenplay play while he was still in college. It’s less impressive when you learn his father was a TV producer and his mother was an executive producer.

Allison Williams (“Get Out,” “Girls”) 

The actress’ fame undeniably stems in part from the last name she shares with father and chief anchor of MSNBC, Brian Williams.

Robert Downey Jr. (“Iron Man,” “Doolittle”)

It is often forgotten that the Marvel actor got his start acting in his director father’s films.

Jamie Lee Curtis (“Halloween,” “Freaky Friday”) 

The actress is the daughter of Hollywood royalty: Her mother is Janet Leigh, star of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” and her father is also an actor.

Kristen Stewart (“Twilight,” “Personal Shopper”) 

The primarily indie actress was less of an underdog than we were led to believe during her 2008 breakout. Her father is a producer, and her mother is a script supervisor.

Daniel Radcliff (“Harry Potter”) 

Similar to the blatant nepotism that his character’s identity is based off of, the former child actor is the son of an agent and a casting director. Not a surprise he landed the coveted role.

Maude Apatow (“Euphoria”) 

It seemed almost inevitable that this nepotism powerhouse wouldn’t break into the industry. In 2019, she landed a role in HBOs hit series “Euphoria,” following in the footsteps of her actress mother Leslie Mann and actor, director and incredibly influential producer Judd Apatow.

Margret Qualley (“Novitiate,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”) 

The on-the-rise actress who garnered acclaim for her performance in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is the daughter of actors Andie MacDowell and Paul Qualley.

Written by: Livvy Mullen — arts@theaggie.org

French films, zombies and Burton, oh my!

With a little extra time on our hands, this may be one of the only quarters where watching a movie as a small distraction is completely acceptable. The list below includes four professors’ favorite movies. Although we may not be physically with them during lecture, we can be with them in spirit by watching some of their “faves,” as Political Science Professor Jaime Jackson put it. 

Communication Professor Virginia Hamilton — “Thelma and Louise” directed by Ridley Scott 

“Thelma and Louise” follows two women trying to take a short break from reality with a fishing trip but end up running from the law for murder. How did a small, serene trip end up with a flee to Mexico? 

“It makes me laugh, it makes me cry, it makes me angry, it makes me happy,” Hamilton said via email. “It thrusts the dark side of sexism into our faces and yet we get to be thoroughly entertained as we ride through all the emotional dynamics. It is extremely well-written and all of the actors are excellent.”

Although Hamilton can pointedly recall how many times she’s watched this movie (four), she can’t decide which character is her favorite. 

“[Thelma and Lousie] are each other’s half of a whole,” Hamiton said. “I love Thelma because of her innocence, femininity, honesty, and the personal growth she achieved during her ‘adventure.’ I love Louise because of her responsibility, strength, conviction to principles, and her ultimate radical acceptance of that which she cannot change.”

Among many other awards it received, the movie won both the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Screenplay. It is labelled an Adventure/Crime movie, but Hamilton describes the film as political.

“It exposes the range of privileges ‘the system’ bestows upon men at the expense of women,” Hamilton said. “However I think everyone should watch the movie because it is both seriously important and highly entertaining at the same time.” 

“Thelma and Louise” can be rented on Amazon Prime. 

American Studies Professor Megan Bayles  — “Beetlejuice” directed by Tim Burton 

This 1988 classic follows a newly-wed (and newly-deceased) couple that haunt their home, stuck in limbo for what seems like forever. When a new, irritable couple moves into their home, the dead lovers hire Beetlejuice to help them kick the living couple out of their home.

Although this may sound like a horror film, Bayles described it as a comedy. 

“It’s dark and funny and very Tim Burton,” Bayles said via email. “The actors are perfectly cast—Beetlejuice is the role Michael Keaton was born to play, young Winona Ryder is the perfect goth teenager, and Alec Baldwin is so young and charming. And there are so many memorable minor characters.” 

Bayles watched the movie countless times as a child and recommends this movie to every student. 

“Who doesn’t need a little dark comedy-fantasy right now,” Bayles said. “Do it after you finish ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ and before you start re-watching ‘Schitt’s Creek.’”

“Beetlejuice” can be rented on Amazon Prime and iTunes. 

Psychology Professor Priscilla San Souci — “Shaun of the Dead” directed by Edgar Wright 

The comedy movie, about a post-apocalyptic world where zombies exist, pokes fun at zombie horror movie clichés. 

“I love British humour — especially when it comes to a man vs. nature theme,” San Souci said via email. 

Her favorite character is Shaun because although his situation isn’t preferrable, he makes the best of it. 

“It’s one of those [movies] that I could pick up in the middle,” San Souci said.

“Shaun of the Dead” can be rented on iTunes, Hulu or Amazon Prime. 

Political Science Professor Jaime Jackson  — “Amélie” directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet 

Back when Netflix wasn’t a thing and Blockbuster existed, Jackson worked at a video store. Though she is a movie-lover, her all-time favorite is the French film “Amélie”  — she said she’s watched it more times than she can count. 

“I know the movie so well that I use it to brush up on my French whenever I’m headed out to some place where I need to speak the language,” Jackson said via email. 

The movie won multiple awards, including the Critic’s Choice Movie Award for Best Foreign Film.

“It’s weird and beautiful,” Jackson said. “I love the imagery. I notice some new thing every time I watch it. The characters are all strange and awkward. And the music is amazing!”

Amélie follows a young girl with a sad childhood as she grows up and fills her own world with a whimsical touch.  

“I would recommend this movie to EVERYONE because it is a story about self-discovery,” Jackson said. “Amélie learns how to overcome her fears but it’s done through a simple lens without a lot of thrills and frills. It’s just a great movie to watch if you need to be inspired or watch something warm and comforting. Even if the subtitles are hard to keep up with for folks, the body language, music and imagery are all capable of getting the message across.”

“Amélie” is available on Hulu or Amazon Prime. 

Written By: Itzelth Gamboa — arts@theaggie.org