RAISE HELL is the story of Molly Ivins, the outspoken political columnist and Texas maverick who spoke truth to power and gave voice to those that had none. Molly used humor like Mark Twain --- to skewer the powerful, protect the helpless, and to shine a light on bad government. Six-foot tall with flaming red hair, Molly was a fearless reporter who stopped at nothing, not even death threats, to speak truth.
At the height of her popularity, 400 newspapers carried her column. Her blistering way with words was feared by the political elite on all sides of the aisle, but her refreshing critique and big heart garnered a die-hard following from around the country. From her lonely perch in the heart of the deep red South, Molly warned the country about George W Bush’s temperament and non-existent political record. It was she who dubbed him “Shrub: the little Bush”.
Though Ivins died from cancer in 2007, filmmaker Janice Engel crafts a highly entertaining film that radiantly brings Ivins’ wit and political wisdom back to life. Her messaging and brand of commentary strikes a particular chord in today’s hostile political climate. With her death, the nation lost a freedom fighter that charged us to continue to Raise Hell.