Eclectic, perfectly staged, and fun to watch, “Barry” vividly depicts the early college days of former US President Obama, including his struggles and identity crisis.
Set in the 1980s, the story follows Barack, or Barry, as he arrives in the Big Apple to attend college.
Feeling uneasy, Barry’s first impressions of the city capture the profound differences within American society. It is then that Barry’s views on Whites and Blacks, in politics and religion, become radicalized.
Trying to blend in, Barry plays basketball with the “boys from the hood,” who call him “Invisible” and “Zero.”
At this point, he begins to understand the needs of young Americans to aspire for a better life. He goes to parties to meet girls, gets high on marijuana, and has fun with regular guys his age. He goes to the school’s rooftop to enjoy the view, relax, and think about his future while he smokes more and listens to his favorite music.
At that time, he starts dating a wealthy white girl who shows him the side of people with power.
“Barry” is a well-documented work of fiction by director Adam Mansbach. However, it is not a faithful biopic because of its literary liberties.
The writer went out into the streets to interview Obama’s roommates, former girlfriends, and others who knew him.
“Barry” has technical issues, but it is still worth watching.
The editing could be more balanced, and the transitions could be smoother and more artistic. A film about a US president deserves a more formal, symbolic approach.
The story focuses on the fun times rather than the ideological influences that shaped the leader’s personality. In addition, the lack of meaning makes us think that “The Lion King” might be more politically correct than “Barry,” Obama’s biopic.
Australian actor Devon Terrell plays young Barack Obama exceptionally well. Terrell is charismatic and charming. Yet his portrayal of a confused teenager trying to find himself and a coherent ideology reads as soft on the page.
Barry’s mother (Ashley Judd) leaves a sentimental note that says, “The world is a prominent place; you will find your way.”
The film features essential and stimulating cultural references, such as “Black Orpheus,” an Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film. It also alludes to several other books, such as “The Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison and “Dreams from My Father” by Barack Obama himself.
Other great movies showing the richness of the Afro-American experience in America this year are “Hidden Figures,” “Loving,” “Fences,” “Moonlight,” and “Kicks.”
In “Barry,” we meet a young man who must find himself to fulfill his destiny. It doesn’t lean into sentimentality or nostalgia; it focuses on the fun moments that make life go by smoothly.
Remember, “A change is brought about because ordinary people do extraordinary things.” ― Barack Obama. After all, life is a beautiful struggle.
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