When constructing a documentary, it would seem sensible that those in charge should understand the audience their film is aiming for. War documentaries appeal to history buffs, a biography of a musician would make fans of that person’s art happy, and so forth. However, with Manchild: The Schea Cotton Story, Herbert and Landers break down those artificial barriers and appeal to a wide range of viewers. The apparent audience here is sports fans and players. The filmmakers bring together some incredibly big names like Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson, Meta World Peace (Ron Artest, whatever it is you might know him by), and Randy Moss to paint a picture that encapsulates who Schea Cotton is. Everyone speaks so highly of him that in over an hour, not one person says a single negative thing about him. Using these individuals to tell Cotton’s story is smart in that fans of basketball will be excited to see them and appreciate the things they say.
But, with the help of Anthony ‘Ls’ Cruz and Christopher Jarronn Natalio’s musical score, the documentary appeals to the emotions of anyone willing to watch. It touches on the relationships between parents and children, as well as sibling rivalry and love. The feelings they capture will resonate with anyone willing to give Manchild: The Schea Cotton Story a chance.
“…Herbert and Landers break down those artificial barriers and appeal to a wide range of viewers.”
Finally, something I often find frustrating about documentaries is their tendency to portray their subject(s) as close to perfect. We are all human beings, and we understand that no one is perfect. Trying to depict them in that fashion diminishes what is trying to be accomplished. While the interviewees never speak poorly of Cotton, the subjects are honest about everything they see as he matures. They appear comfortable talking about the mistakes he makes, or what should have been done to ensure success.
Manchild: The Schea Cotton Story does not attempt to exaggerate who its subject is or what he is capable of. It is honest and paints Schea Cotton in the most truthful of lights. It will appeal not just to basketball fans, but anyone with a soul, as his mother, father, and brother tell his story and bring him back to his prime.
"…we are all human beings, and we understand that no one is perfect."
