Dear Mr. Brody
A poignant, multifaceted investigation of universal dreams, desires and heartbreaking struggles.
Dear Mr. Brody
In January 1970, hippie-millionaire Michael Brody Jr., the 21-year-old heir to a margarine fortune, announced to the world that he would personally usher in a new era of peace and love by giving away his $25-million inheritance to anyone in need. In a frenzied few weeks, Brody and his young wife, Renee, ignited a psychedelic spiral of events. Instant celebrities, the Brody’s were mobbed by the public, scrutinized by the press, and overwhelmed by the crush of personal letters responding to this extraordinary offer. Fifty years later, an enormous cache of these letters are discovered—unopened. In this riveting follow-up to his acclaimed TOWER, award- winning director Keith Maitland reveals the incredible story of Michael Brody Jr.—and the countless struggling Americans who sought his help—to create a deeply moving meditation on desire, need, philanthropy, and love.
"Inventive... offers a surprising statement on American hope, endurance and goodwill.” —John DeFore, The Hollywood Reporter
“A wildly entertaining, bonkers ride.” —Pete Hammond, Deadline
”Builds to a remarkable kind of emotional catharsis — stories lost to history, unleashed for future consideration.” —Erik Kohn, Indiewire
“An absolute must see." —Jeff Sneider, Collider
"Wonderfully strange, funny, and dark... it’s a movie worthy of Billy Wilder." —Kevin Jagernauth, The Playlist
“Incredibly powerful...The intentions of this documentary are gorgeous, and its belief in Americans, past, present, and future is a force to be reckoned with.” —Nick Allen, Roger Ebert.com
Official Selection: Telluride Film Festival 2021, Tribeca Film Festival 2021, SXSW 2021
"Inventive... offers a surprising statement on American hope, endurance and goodwill.” —John DeFore, The Hollywood Reporter
“A wildly entertaining, bonkers ride.” —Pete Hammond, Deadline
”Builds to a remarkable kind of emotional catharsis — stories lost to history, unleashed for future consideration.” —Erik Kohn, Indiewire
“An absolute must see." —Jeff Sneider, Collider
"Wonderfully strange, funny, and dark... it’s a movie worthy of Billy Wilder." —Kevin Jagernauth, The Playlist
“Incredibly powerful...The intentions of this documentary are gorgeous, and its belief in Americans, past, present, and future is a force to be reckoned with.” —Nick Allen, Roger Ebert.com
Official Selection: Telluride Film Festival 2021, Tribeca Film Festival 2021, SXSW 2021
Genre
Documentary
Web Site
Runtime
98
Language
English
Director
Keith Maitland
Awards:
Nominee, Best Documentary Feature, Tribeca Film Festival
FEATURED REVIEW
Richard Brody, New Yorker
In January, 1970, Michael James Brody, Jr., a twenty-one-year-old heir to a fortune made in the margarine business, sparked a media frenzy by declaring his intention to give his many millions away to anyone who asked. Keith Maitland’s inspired documentary about this strange, ultimately melancholy ...
Played at
Monica Film Center 3.04.22 - 3.10.22
Laemmle Virtual Cinema 3.04.22 - 3.31.22
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