MOVIE REVIEW
Shaking it Up: The Life & Times of Liz Carpenter
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Genre: Documentary, Biography
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 17m
Director(s): Abby Ginzberg, Christy Carpenter
Where To Watch: world premiere at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Can you imagine where we as a society would be if it weren’t for the women over the years who weren’t afraid to speak up? Those women who risked everything to step into venues where they weren’t welcome. As much as we’ve fallen backward with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, I can only imagine we would be even further behind if it weren’t for women like Liz Carpenter! Diving headfirst into the heart of 20th-century activism, SHAKING IT UP: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF LIZ CARPENTER not only chronicles but celebrates the life of a woman who left an indelible mark on journalism, political reform, and the fight for women's rights. Through the visionary lens of Christy Carpenter and Abby Ginzberg, the film emerges as a vivid portrait of Liz Carpenter's remarkable journey. This documentary is a compelling exploration that resonates with the vibrancy of Carpenter's legacy, making it an essential watch for anyone fascinated by the figures who have shaped our modern world.

At the core of this documentary is the dynamic duo of Christy, Liz's daughter, and Ginzberg, a seasoned filmmaker with a knack for bringing social justice stories to life. Their collaboration breathes life into this narrative, balancing the scale between Carpenter's public achievements and her personal life. The rich mix of interviews and archival footage shows a story that is genuinely educational but also entertaining, offering a panoramic view of a figure who was happy to stand on the front line with a protest sign.

While the film adeptly covers the broad strokes of Carpenter's multifaceted life, its short runtime begs for more profound dives into her achievements. I can’t help but want an entire series on this figure who helped to reshape a generation. Nonetheless, these moments are mere blips in an otherwise captivating narrative that skillfully showcases Carpenter's enduring influence.

One of the documentary's standout features is its portrayal of Carpenter's blend of humor and tenacity. These personal anecdotes bring her character into sharper focus and highlight the qualities that made her a beloved figure and a compelling piece of history in many ways. This blend of the personal and the political sets the film apart, painting a portrait of a woman whose complexities enriched her contributions to society.

Ginzberg's expertise in framing social justice issues adds depth to the documentary, highlighting Carpenter's activism. This helps to connect Carpenter's historical battles with contemporary struggles, illustrating the timeless nature of her work. The film's honoring of Carpenter's achievements and positioning her story as a beacon for ongoing advocacy is a testament to its strength.

SHAKING IT UP: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF LIZ CARPENTER transcends the traditional documentary format to celebrate a force of nature whose work continues to echo in today's movements for justice and equality. Though it navigates a broad spectrum of themes, the film focuses on the essence of Carpenter's legacy. This documentary is a powerful tribute to the enduring impact of one woman's resolve to make the world more equitable, offering invaluable insights for anyone at the crossroads of history, politics, and women's advocacy.

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