American Radical: The Trials of Norman Finkelstein

Not bad documentary on an excellent writer and activist. Though, given the cyber-world now, one might be better off just watching a few of the many lectures of his available in full on Youtube. Or reading any of his books. Or go to http://normanfinkelstein.com/

Somebody threw a rock thousands of years ago. Victimists have been portraying themselves as the underdog ever since. The problem is both sides play the role to a goddamn tee. Norman's position, while unique and interesting, is no different. He manages to create a plethora of logical points through intelligence, experience and superior debate skills, yet in the end he contributes to the assurance that this conflict will go on rather than a solution. This makes him just another talking head.

I'd rather not comment on my feelings on Finkelstein's politics as the movie illustrates they're far too large to quickly digest. I will say that this is a superb examination of a complicated man and it gives you a real sense of him of a person as well as his thinking process and the reasons for it.

"Even for those likely to be sympathetic to his point of view, Norman Finkelstein can be a difficult figure to embrace." - Andrew Schenker

Superficial glimpse at the man and his opinions. Doesn't provide any depth or basis for his arguments, so it's impossible to draw any conclusions about Finkelstein other than the type he expressly wishes one wouldn't draw (psychological).

It's attempts to give it balance seemed counter-productive and a waste of time, but at the same time it showed the hypocrisy of the opposition so I didn't mind too much. It's sad that Finks views are considered controversial in America.

Particularly interesting documentary that leaves much to the viewer leaving routes for both praise and criticism of Finkelstein. Finkelstein is not an anti-semite, nor is he anti-Zionist: he states several times in this film that he believes Israel has a right to exist but that it should be (rightly) criticised and offers evidence why. It's worth watching just to see the ludicrous 'criticism' of him which isn't based on tackling his opinions but simply aiming to discredit him.

Interesting and worthwhile documentary on an extremely controversial thinker. As one interviewee explains, Finkelstein may have been influenced by his mother "to an unhealthy extent". A big Hezbullah supporter, Finkelstein indeed has a special hostility toward Jews and Israel, is a demagogue and serial violator of Godwin's law, and some - though not all - of his claims are falsehoods and half-truths. However, he strongly believes his own words and is an incisive if rather hotheaded debater.