Watch Left On Purpose

Left On Purpose is a 2015 documentary which explores the life and legacy of legendary anti-war activist Mayer Vishner, who took his own life in 2002 at the age of 58. The film is directed by Justin Schein and features interviews with Vishner's friends, family and colleagues, as well as never-before-seen footage of his activism. The film begins with Vishner's suicide note, in which he explains that he has decided to take his own life as an act of political protest. The rest of the film is a journey into the life and work of this troubled but gifted man.

We learn about Vishner's early life – he was born in Brooklyn to Jewish parents who had fled Nazi Germany. He grew up in a politically engaged family and was deeply affected by the Vietnam War, which he saw as a moral outrage. He became involved in the anti-war movement and quickly rose to leadership positions. He was a gifted orator and a charismatic figure who inspired many young people to get involved in the movement.

After the Vietnam War ended, Vishner continued to be an activist, working on issues such as nuclear disarmament, the rights of the homeless, and Palestinian rights. He was not afraid to take controversial positions and often found himself at odds with other members of the left. He also struggled with mental illness and substance abuse, which made his activism more difficult.

The heart of the film is the relationship between Vishner and his longtime friend and collaborator Michael Ventura. Ventura is a writer and filmmaker who met Vishner in the early 1970s and worked with him on a number of projects over the years. Ventura is also one of the few people who knew about Vishner's plan to take his own life.

The film captures the ups and downs of their relationship – the arguments, the moments of deep connection, the frustration and the love. It also explores the ethical questions around Vishner's suicide – was it a legitimate act of political protest or a personal tragedy that should have been prevented?

The film also includes interviews with other activists who knew Vishner, including Noam Chomsky and filmmaker Haskell Wexler. They reflect on Vishner's impact and legacy, and offer insights into his strengths and weaknesses as a leader.

One of the strengths of the film is its use of archival footage. We see Vishner addressing crowds of protesters, engaging in heated debates with opponents, and speaking eloquently about his beliefs. We also see intimate moments – Vishner playing with his daughter, cooking dinner with friends, and struggling with his mental health.

Overall, Left On Purpose is a moving and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on an often-overlooked figure in the history of the American left. It raises important questions about the relationship between politics and mental health, the ethics of suicide as political protest, and the legacy of the anti-war movement. It is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to fighting for social justice, and who left behind a complicated and controversial legacy.

Left On Purpose is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 69.