Cert 15
96 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong language, sex references
The upheaval in the political scene in the UK over the past month has been more dramatic than any fiction.
And yet there is one politician who has proved himself even more capable of self-destruction than those on this side of the Atlantic.
The chances of a glittering career for Anthony Weiner seemed unlikely because his name is pronounced the same as wiener, American slang for penis.
This would be bad enough if he had not been caught up in a sex scandal.
But the most remarkable feature of the Democrat is his brass neck. It doesn't seem to matter how deep the mire in which he find himself, he still tries to keep going.
Weiner was forced to resign from Congress after winning seven consecutive elections, having been seen as a vociferous spokesman for the disadvantaged.
Sexting was his undoing in 2011 and the shadow still hung over him when he decided to stand for New York mayor two years later.
However, he seemed to have shrugged off the scandal and was leading the mayoral race until more salacious revelations hit the media.
Amid this turmoil, Weiner made the extraordinary decision to allow Josh Kriegman to make a fly-on-the-wall documentary. Of all his bad judgments this must have been the worst.
Consequently, watching Weiner the movie is akin to seeing a car crash.
Initially, my feeling was that the original scandal had been overblown and that justice would see him back as a senior political figure.
By its conclusion, I could not help but feel that he is either a total narcissist or suffers from a severe mental health disorder.
Otherwise why would he subject not only himself but his family to such public scrutiny.
Anyone would feel sorry for his wife Huma Abedin who struggles between supporting her husband despite his sexual indiscretions and walking away from his campaign because it would damage her career (she is an advisor to Hillary Clinton).
As the mud sticks and people desert him, Weiner is oblivious, constantly believing that he can plough on regardless.
Kriegman's fascinating documentary shows the folly of his actions.
Reasons to watch: a story so jaw-dropping it could not be made up
Reasons to avoid: its avoidance of the why question
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 8/10
Star tweet
Nigella Lawson Just seen best film of year so far, #Weiner - his carcrash narcissism terrifyingly compelling to watch, but so moved by @HumaAbedin
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