A different Gore documentary

July 18, 2006

This may or may not be of interest, but an unaired, 13-minute documentary of Al Gore and his family in the summer of 2000 has worked its way onto Google video. The video was shot by Spike Jonze (yes, that Spike Jonze) and shows a very relaxed, self-effacing Al Gore.

I don’t know any of the backstory, and I have no idea why the video wasn’t released years ago, but it’s an interesting look at Gore and his interactions with those closest to him. I resist any of the if-people-saw-this-Gore-would-have-won kind of speculation, but at a minimum, it’s a subtle reminder of what might have been.

If you’re interested, take a look.

[Sarcasm] Well that was boring, he didn’t even rub down a world leader… [/Sarcasm]

  • I think this was released, sometime during the 2000 DNC convention.

    I haven’t had a chance to look at the link yet, but I do remember seeing something then and Spike Jonze was definitely involved. Scenes of Gore swimming? Talking about how the camera they were using would be technologically improved in the coming years?

  • I just watched the whole thing, and I’m amazed there aren’t more comments.

    Unlike CB, I won’t resist: if people saw this Gore would have won.

    I wish he still felt the way he did in “Good point, #1: He wants to do it [run for President].”

    I don’t understand how his handlers ever let him get into that dress-more-casually-and-wear-green mode — that’s exactly what he’s doing in this film clip, prior to the campaign.

    I can’t see anyone on the current scene (except Edwards) who can say, so naturally, “We all have an obligation to try to make it better.”

  • I think this was released, sometime during the 2000 DNC convention.

    Perhaps. My sources told me this hadn’t surfaced, but given your description, it must have been reached at least some kind of audience.

    Anyone else catch his The Band quote?

    I missed it! Which line was it?

  • Sort of reminds me of those old 8mm home movies of JFK and his family…and of the “New Camelot” that might have been….

  • I found a link on Susie Madrak’s site (and subsequently put it up over at DraftGore2008.org) back in May.

    I’d heard rumors of it a few years back – it was in fact shot ostensibly for the convention, but never gained wide circulation. But then again, due to Gore’s crappy consultants at the time, did his extensive work on global warming.

    What I think this movies shows best about Gore is that we’re not now seeing a new Gore, version 2.0 (or 3.0). Same Gore, fewer filters and handlers.

  • Yes, this was a great documentary. It was also released last year as a part of a subscription service of experimental type films by wholpin.com. Now there’s a guy I’d like to drink ice tea with. The comparison between him and mouth-full talking pig-eyeing Bush is huge. The latest issue of Wholpin.com also has a BBC documentary about the lead up to the Iraq war that is mind-boggling.

  • Well, he actually gets the line just a little wrong, but speaking of Tipper, he sort of sings, “I don’t have to speak ’cause she defends me.” Sings to entirely the wrong tune, but sings nonetheless.

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