REVIEW: HBO’s ‘John McCain’ documentary is touching portrait
John McCain: For Whom the Bell Tolls, the new documentary that premiered Memorial Day, May 28, offers an intimate and touching portrait of a man who has served his country and a cause greater than himself for six decades. As Sen. John McCain’s tenure in the Senate winds down, and he faces the final stages of brain cancer, this maverick of all mavericks offers thoughts on the many chapters of his life – a life that is American to its core.
McCain comes from a military family, and it was almost predestination for him to join the United States Navy and follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both admirals. His service to the country was tested during the Vietnam War when he was shot down over Hanoi, Vietnam, and imprisoned for more the five years. The documentary, produced and directed by Peter Kunhardt, George Kunhardt and Teddy Kunhardt, doesn’t waste too much time before arriving at this dramatic part of McCain’s life.
Coupling archival footage with modern-day interviews, the film is able to delve deep into the physical and emotional circumstances of the naval pilot’s ordeals. Somewhat surprisingly, the film largely sidesteps any talk of religion or spirituality in McCain’s life; instead the focus falls on this man’s devotion to his country, and how that devotion, along with his companions in the prison, drove him to survive the torture, the malnutrition and the physical ailments.
Following the Vietnam chapter, the film centers on McCain’s return to the United States, the dissolution of his first marriage, the beginning of his second marriage and his entry into Congress, first in the House of Representatives and then in the Senate.
The directors cover both McCain’s bipartisan triumphs and his professional setbacks, including an ethics investigation at the end of the 1980s and beginning of the 1990s that almost derailed his entire career. Campaign finance reform and his stance during the Iraq War receive the most attention on the policy side.
Along the way, the directors focus on McCain’s dedication to ethics and goodness. When the senator makes a mistake (his ambivalent response to the Confederate flag in South Carolina, his pick of Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate), he chooses to face the music and come clean, rather than hide beneath the guilt. For example, he admits to wanting Sen. Joseph Lieberman, his best friend, as his running mate, but he was convinced by political advisers to choose Palin. He also admits that his temper sometimes gets the best of him.
Despite the failings, McCain is a honorable man, and that honor shines through in For Whom the Bell Tolls. The title of the documentary is pulled from the senator’s favorite book, and the words of Ernest Hemingway serve as nice bookends into the exploration of this American life.
With finality in the air, and the diagnosis not looking good for McCain, this film reminds audience members of what makes this maverick’s story so special in both military history and political history. He is one of the last voices centered on compromise, ethics, truth, valor and service. His legacy continues to inspire.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
John McCain: For Whom the Bell Tolls (2018), directed by Peter Kunhardt, George Kunhardt and Teddy Kunhardt, is now playing on HBO. Click here for more information. Rating: 
