Dear Jesse Reviews

Gay North Carolina native Tim Kirkman plays the personal off the political in this intriguing documentary that's both a journey home and an examination of the enduring appeal of Republican Sen. Jesse Helms. Two years after finishing college, Kirkman fled his home state, inextricably linked in people's minds with the notoriously homophobic Helms, for the relative sanctuary of New York City. After a particularly painful romantic breakup, Kirkman realized it was time for a trip back home, a decision that neatly coincided with Helms' announcement that he would seek yet another Senate term (he's been serving since 1972). Kirkman came up with the idea of keeping a video journal that would also examine the puzzle of why apparently well-intentioned people keep voting for a man who has so virulently opposed integration, funding for the arts, gay-rights initiatives and AIDS research. Framed as an open letter to the august senator, Kirkman first finds a few striking personal similarities -- he and Senator Helms are from the same hometown, they're both obsessed with homosexual men -- and then examines the obvious differences. Kirkman travels around the state, interviewing friends, family members and various public figures -- including North Carolina's first openly gay mayor and the members of MAJIC (Mothers Against Jesse in Congress) -- while seeking out the ever-elusive Helms supporters. The results are fascinating, often infuriating and always enlightening, as Kirkman attempts to sincerely come to terms with Helms, his home state and himself.