Now this will be interesting.
The Kwame Kilpatrick family, which initially endorsed a local filmmaker's biopic movie on the ex-mayor, has withdrawn its approval of the final version.
WDIV's Kevin Dietz reports that the movie, "Kwame Kilpatrick: The Untold Story" to be released on Monday, set out to portray Kilpatrick as an urban hero, a young man who was carrying on what Mayor Coleman A. Young had begun: The empowerment of the black community.
But the story became more complicated. The movie, by filmmaker Flip Willson, showed that Kilpatrick was admired in the neighborhoods, but some also felt betrayed. It also showed his legal troubles.
Dietz reports that Kilpatrick agreed to be interviewed for the film and his sister, Ayanna Kilpatrick, provided notes directing the producer what to cut and what to keep.
"They wanted to re-edit the film, put their spin on it and I just felt like it wouldn't be the untold story if we just gave one opinion," said Willson, who added that he began making the film because Kilpatrick inspired him.
The film contains some factual errors. But it does recognize the fact: Kilpatrick has plenty flaws, and some people in the city have very mixed feelings about him.
It may not match up to the standards of a Martin Scorsese film, but it should be worth a peek.
