Fall to Grace

Shoehorning a lot of material into a too-brief running time, this documentary short from politics-watcher Alexandra Pelosi (Journeys with George) centers on disgraced former New Jersey governor Jim McGreevey—a rising star of the Democratic party (with possible White House aspirations)—who was publicly outed in 2004 in an extramarital homosexual affair that became a scandal. McGreevey's attempt at a stirring mea culpa speech as a "gay American" earned more jeers from late-nite comics than respect, and he subsequently left office. McGreevey then went into an Episcopal seminary (finding no acceptance within his own Catholic Church) for three years and emerged with a new image, as an un-closeted gay-activist cleric (and would-be priest) who conducted highly public outreach programs for women prisoners and addicts, and often found himself in the midst of New Jersey's black community—home to his strongest former constituents. The big question: is this new mission sincere, or just a grandstanding attempt to stay relevant and in the public eye? McGreevy himself notes that a dangerous blend of ego and exhibitionism draws many people into politics and the priesthood. In a longer film, Pelosi might have been able to explore these issues in more detail, but as it is, Fall to Grace is recommended only for regional collections, and is optional elsewhere. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)