Former New York Congressman Anthony Weiner was a hard-working, impassioned spitfire with a promising future—before he seemingly threw it all away when he sexted out pictures of his surprisingly hot bod to virtual strangers. Word got out, and the man was dethroned.
Weiner, a documentary from directors Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg, shows the humiliated politician seemingly on the comeback trail in 2013, making a serious run for New York City mayor, with renewed public support, and his wife, Huma Abedin, still at his side. Even the press seemed to be lightening up on the dude, although fellow politicians still shot arrows.
Weiner was actually leading in some polls when word got out that he had been continuing the whole sexting thing—and had even engaged in phone sex with one particular fan. The doc then becomes an examination of a fairly sick guy losing it all once again—a man unable to control his impulses.
During it all, Weiner remained defiant, committed and steadfast in his belief that he would make a good mayor. The public didn’t see it that way, and he went from holding the lead to finishing with less than 5 percent of the vote.
No doubt, the man is entertaining and incredibly interesting, making this documentary a fascinating and entertaining. It’s also an undeniable testament to the negative powers of the selfie—especially the naked selfie.
Weiner is now playing at the Camelot Theatres (2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs; 760-325-6565); and the Cinémas Palme d’Or (72840 Highway 111, Palm Desert; 760-779-0430).