Citizen Weiner is a hilariously endearing new doc that follows the bright-eyed campaign by New York actor Zack Weiner to run for New York City Council. The glib documentary follows Weiner, with his campaign manager, and friend Joe Gallegher, as they traverse the process of getting into local government. It’s hilarious, it’s eye-opening, and it demonstrates that pretty much anyone can do anything they set their mind to. Results, however, may vary.
We start by learning who Zack is. He lives with his mom, Cherie Vogelstein, in a posh apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Even though Covid is coming to an end, work is still slow to pick up for a performer. Determined to make a difference, Weiner enlists the help of friends Galagher, Aaron Dalla Villa, and Sarah Coffey to craft a successful campaign while documenting the process.
With one envelope slipped into the mail Weiner and Galagher hi-five each other, ready to take on the status quo. After setting the direction, more work needs to be done including a hilarious scene featuring Election Lawyer Dan Bright who introduces Weiner and Galagher to the more violent tactics of New York Politics. Everything seems to be going well, if a little slow. Then the “tape” comes out. Yes, everyone has a dirty little secret soon enough Weiner’s hits the news. What will this band of untried leaders do? Will they need to do anything?
Daniel Robbins directs this comical look at political naivety with confidence and a wry sense of humor. The snappy editing by Ryan Spears, Jean-Louis Droulers, and Nik Voytas offers the perfect punchlines and comic buttons to the movie. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Vogelstein’s performance as a Russian Housekeeper whenever Weiner doesn’t want people to know he lives with his mom.
Citizen Weiner is a joyous love letter to political engagement. Weiner knows that it’s a slim chance that he would ever get elected but that’s not the point. The point is to try, and maybe even try again. Change won’t happen without effort and Citizen Weiner is proof that there is valor in trying.
