Fall to Grace (HBO)

About Fall to Grace (HBO)

"Fall to Grace" is an insightful documentary that aired on HBO in 2013. Directed by Alexandra Pelosi, the film explores the life and political career of former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey. It captures his dramatic fall from grace when he publicly announced that he was a "gay American" and his subsequent resignation due to an extramarital affair with a male staff member. The film then transitions to McGreevey's life after politics, showing his pursuit of a graduate degree in theology and his work with female prisoners.

Making / Production

The film was created by Alexandra Pelosi, a documentary filmmaker and daughter of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She was granted unique access to McGreevey’s life which served as the foundation for this revealing documentary. The production of the film took several months, during which Pelosi closely followed Jim McGreevey’s transformation.

Actors

• Jim McGreevey: Ex-governor of New Jersey, portrayed himself. The documentary captures his life-changing confession and efforts to redefine himself post-politics.
• Alexandra Pelosi: As the narrator and director, she was crucial in guiding the narrative of the documentary.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Jim McGreevey was the first and, so far, only openly gay governor of a U.S. state.
• "Fall to Grace" offers an intimate look at New Jersey politics, a field rarely depicted in mainstream media.
• The film won critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of Jim McGreevey’s life and struggles.

Awards

"Fall to Grace" was nominated for the Outstanding Documentary award at the GLAAD Media Awards in 2014.

Quotes

• "I am a gay American."
• "My truth is that I am a gay American."

Music, Soundtrack

The documentary’s soundtrack plays an important role in setting the emotional tone of the film, though the specific songs used are not made prominent.