Whirlybird

Interesting and worth knowing.

Quibbles aside, "Whirlybird" proves a memorably evocative time capsule of 1980s and '90s Los Angeles and the people who made - and captured - the news, as well as a stirring portrait of regret.

We cannot help wishing, as we do so often in watching what passes for news these days, that this story was told with more insight, context, and, well, focus.

A fascinating insight into how individual choices can shape the news.

At its best, Matt Yoka's documentary vividly captures how personal demons shape creative output.

Drawing on an amazing video stockpile from the 1980s and '90s, "Whirlybird" is an editing feat.

Both admirers and detractors of Zoey Tur will find no shortage of ammunition here, as Yoka does a remarkable job at keeping his film objective, and with some of the most incendiary documentary footage on record.

Close to a hundred million people watched that live. Whirlybird is an invaluable document on how it happened.

Given that the Turs participated in the documentary and, in theory, gave their blessing to whatever footage was recycled, it's both surprising and remarkable to see their troubled marriage depicted in such unflinching terms.

Whirlybird disappoints with its bland journalism, ironically, making for an event-heavy, informational pamphlet and little else.