Political biographies are difficult - stilted, formal, too much talking in boring rooms. "Danny" is a thoroughly enjoyable contrast. Thanks to the access he and his family and the people of Newfoundlanders and Labrador give the filmmakers, we get an intimate story of Williams' winsome personality - a fighter by deed and reputation, but in this tell-all movie also a man in love with his political jurisdiction, a man respectful of his adversaries even as he has (justifiably) caustic regard for some. There's a great take-down here of Stephen Harper, and some mutual respect and even affection between Premier Williams and Prime Minister Martin. If you like the political game, and the improvement of people's lives that the game is about, you will enjoy this picture of a man in full, someone who mattered. I watched from afar, in Toronto, as Williams lifted the pride of his people, but until I saw this movie I didn't appreciate just how much he resonated with the great people of that province. Which makes the film universally instructive on what motives politicians, enables them to succeed, and make peace with their setbacks.
