Centered: Joe Lieberman is in select theaters nationwide on March 18 and 19.
By Elazar Abrahams
Centered: Joe Lieberman is a tight and tidy documentary that serves as both a tribute to the late senator and a reminder of a time when bipartisanship wasn’t just a buzzword. Directed by Jonathan Gruber, the film chronicles Lieberman’s political career, highlighting his tenure as a Connecticut senator, his historic run as the first Jewish vice presidential candidate, and his often controversial political independence.
The film presents Lieberman as a politician guided by principle, even when it meant defying party lines. It delves into his role in major political moments, from his stance on social issues to his influence on national security policy. His independent re-election to the Senate in 2006, after losing the Democratic primary, is chronicled as a defining moment, showcasing both his resilience and his willingness to challenge party loyalty.
One of the most engaging aspects of the documentary is how it captures Lieberman’s deep connection to his faith and how his Orthodox Jewish values informed his political decisions. It offers a glimpse into the man beyond the votes, with family members and colleagues sharing anecdotes that paint him as not just a public servant but a genuine mensch.
While Centered covers a lot of ground, it remains a nostalgic portrait rather than a deep investigative dive. For a man who insisted on both sides-ing so much of his political career, the documentary doesn’t apply the same level of dual perspective when addressing his controversies. His key role in pushing for the Iraq War is given some reflection, but other divisive moments, such as his opposition to the public option in the potential Obamacare bill, are handled briskly.
Despite this, Centered succeeds in what it sets out to do: it offers a comprehensive, if carefully framed, look at Lieberman’s legacy. The film doesn’t aim to scrutinize decisions he made, but rather to present him as a figure of a bygone era, where reaching across the aisle was seen as an asset rather than a liability. For those who yearn for that kind of thing, this doc will be a rewarding watch.
I give Centered: Joe Lieberman a B.
TV and City 