« Avella to donate campaign funds to offset Lipsky cash | Main | Another arena-related bar coming to Pacific Street, between Players and residences »
April 28, 2011
Hot Docs 2011 Preview Pt. 7
Criticize This!
by Andrew Parker
Battle for Brooklyn
World Showcase
Directors: Michael Galinsky and Suki HawleyBattle for Brooklyn chronicles a seven year fight in the life of Daniel Goldstein, a graphic designer turned unlikely community advocate, who fought against the displacement of thousands of people due to a suspect claim of Eminent Domain made by the Forest City Ratner development group in a bid to bring the New Jersey Nets NBA squad to town with a new stadium. The film is an interesting look at a community at war with itself. Despite all the suspect deals on the part of the developers and the state of New York, just as many people believe the building of the stadium and the new community surrounding it (championed by such luminaries as architect Frank Gehry and Nets co-owner Jay-Z) will create much needed jobs. While Goldstein is a devoted advocate who finds himself repeatedly silenced, he is also a deeply flawed and possibly even somewhat broken man driven to near madness. A David and Goliath tale where David is booed as often as he is cheered, Battle for Brooklyn is a great portrait of how all politics truly are local. A must see for urban studies junkies.
Rating (out of five stars): ★★★★☆
NoLandGrab: We should point out that most of the people booing were paid or similarly compensated to do the booing.
Posted by eric at April 28, 2011 10:01 AM