Resolved

I had the good luck to see this film at the Los Angeles Film Festival. I have to admit that I was not a high school debater and know nothing of the activity, but I am glad that I went to see this film ! It is about so much more. I was completely moved by the students at Long Beach Jordan and their coach. It is a shame the Los Angeles School District does not support educational activities that truly challenge the mind. The students from the well-to-do school in Texas were just as fascinating with their own brand of outlaw mannerisms. I hope that kids from high schools all over the country will have the chance to see this film.

Where will it screen next ?

I am stunned at the comment about this movie posted by Jim Crotty. Has he even seen this film? I have and I can say it is pure genius . . . not even close to the knock-off that Crotty makes it out to be. Whiteley earned his street cred with the thoroughly original New York Doll (Sundance) and has outdone himself with his latest documentary, which has received glowing reviews (Variety, the Hollywood Reporter and Cinema Without Borders to name a few).

In Resolved, Whiteley uses high school debate—a world that is fascinating in its own right—as a vehicle to explore the equally fascinating lives of a handful of kids who participate in debate. The struggles (with life in general and with the debate community) of two inner city debaters from Long Beach Jordan High School are the heart of the film. Has Crotty even met these kids? If he claims that Whiteley stole his idea to follow these two kids, then he might have a point but his posting seems to suggest that he thinks he has a monopoly on documentaries about inner-city kids that debate, which is a truly audacious claim.

It does seem coincidental that Whiteley also named his pic Resolved but, as a former debater, this shouldn't surprise anyone since, as I recall, the first word spoken in every high school debate round is "Resolved." There is so much more to Whiteley's film than the name. If Crotty has a great film about debate in the works, I would love to see it and am not terribly concerned about what he calls it. As for Whiteley's film, it is as gripping and authentic as they come.

Perhaps we can get Whiteley to chime in on how he arrived at the name?

A few years ago, while Mr. Whiteley was shooting for my husband in Portland, Oregon, we asked him what projects he was developing. He excitedly told us about Resolved and its concept. This was an idea he had working for quite some time. New York Doll had yet to be conceived. Jim is way off with his inflammatory remark that Mr. Whiteley is a THIEF. The time frame makes that impossible. New York Doll and Resolved are both unique, brilliant accomplishments. Mr. Whiteley has incredible talent, finds passion in the otherwise mundane. An old, washed out rock star brings tears to my eyes. Debate ... well would you ever? And, would I ever go to see another film about debate? Well, now I would. Please, Jim, proudly continue with your project as I, for one, welcome films aimed for the above 90 IQ.

This film was great because it brought back a lot of memories. It'd been so long that I'd forgotten how much work went into preparing for and attending the many many many tournaments. And it'd been ages since I'd heard someone talk about the "tab room." For folks who are not familiar with competitive debating, the type of debate featured (team debate) is not the only type. Alongside team debate at the same tournaments is Lincoln Douglas debate which involves individuals competing against each other in a far more eloquent manner. No speed reading. No trying to "out flow" the other person. I found Lincoln Douglas debate to be invaluable training for the real world.

For parents who see the film, I hope you encourage your kids to try debate. It can be the high pressure competition shown in the film, but it can also be about fun, friendships, and gaining confidence. Most importantly...stay involved! These schools and students need parents to help transport kids to tournaments and to judge competition rounds.

Richard and Louis were awesome! A must watch movie if you are a documentary fan.

Debates should be about meaning not words!

Thought the social message of the movie was great, and every educator and school should watch this documentary.

It made me feel ashamed of the establishment. Also I cannot believe people actually do the meaningless speed talking.

Maybe they should stretch the time period beyond 3minutes if kids have to talk that fast.

Feels like an auction house.

Debates should be about Meaning. And outsmarting your opponent, not just about out talking them.