The Trials of Ted Haggard

Film

The Trials of Ted Haggard
Directed by	Alexandra Pelosi

The Trials of Ted Haggard is a documentary film made by Alexandra Pelosi, following disgraced pastor Ted Haggard. According to HBO, this is a follow-up to Pelosi's 2007 HBO film Friends of God which starred Haggard as the head of the National Association of Evangelicals. Pelosi returns to talk with 'Pastor Ted' about his fall from grace.^[1] The New York Times called it "strangely intriguing" because "The film doesn’t merely document Mr. Haggard’s fall from grace, it also tracks the pathology of his attempt at a comeback. It’s a cautionary tale for disgraced public figures; for viewers it’s a master class in the art of self-serving remorse and hubris dressed up as humility."^[2]

The Los Angeles Times said, "The Trials of Ted Haggard is a strange, disturbing, but in the end heartbreaking little film that may wind up being the most powerful indictment of homophobia since Brokeback Mountain."^[3] The Variety review said "Pelosi peels back the symbol enough to expose fleeting glimpses of the man underneath — peddling only himself, and, as in his door-to-door gig, unable to make the sale."^[4]

References

^ ""The Trials of Ted Haggard"". HBO.
^ Stanley, Alessandra (January 28, 2009). "Exiled Preacher Joins the Crowd in the Virtual Confession Box". New York Times.
^ MacNamara, Mary (January 29, 2009). "The Trials of Ted Haggard". Los Angeles Times.
^ Lowry, Brian (January 28, 2009). "The Trials of Ted Haggard". Variety.