‘Tale of Two Cities’ stars Pittsburgh

“My Tale of Two Cities”

Starring: Carl Kurlander, Louie Anderson

Directed… “My Tale of Two Cities”

Starring: Carl Kurlander, Louie Anderson

Directed by Carl Kurlander

Grade: B-

Filmmakers sometimes get caught up in locales. Woody Allen’s New York and Christopher Nolan’s Chicago are as much characters in those directors’ movies as the real-life actors they direct. In “My Tale of Two Cities,” Pitt professor and co-writer of “St. Elmo’s Fire” Carl Kurlander made Pittsburgh not just one of the characters but the star.

The documentary focuses on two interconnected ideas. The first is Kurlander’s personal journey to reconcile his relationship with his hometown after moving back from Los Angeles, and the second is Pittsburgh’s economic downturn in the latter half of the 20th century and how the city can get back on its feet.

Before he moves on to their current conditions, Kurlander details his formative experiences — including a female bully who threatened to burn him with a cigarette if he didn’t say a dirty word — while explaining some of Pittsburgh’s own past (including the recurring theme of Fred Rogers’ legacy and an animated clip of the city’s role in the founding of America).

Kurlander moves into a diverse array of vignettes, speaking with equal enthusiasm to film industry associates (Louie Anderson, Jenji Kohan), childhood friends (including the crush that inspired “St. Elmo’s Fire”) and Pittsburgh notables (Teresa Heinz Kerry, Paul O’Neill, David “Mr. McFeely” Newell) about Pittsburgh’s past, present and future.

The story culminates in meetings of yinzers in Los Angeles, New York and Pittsburgh itself to celebrate the city and its people. Kurlander’s personal story also comes to an end reaching somewhat of a peace with his beloved hometown.

The film presents an insightful look at Pittsburgh and its entertainment. However, the film seems to fall short with several elements that could have made Kurlander’s compelling concept more complete.

Rather than an expanded exposé, the film felt like a quick snapshot. Running under an hour and a half, it seemed that some of the most entertaining parts (Kurlander’s childhood, his search for financing) were cut short to keep things moving, perhaps sacrificing some of the parts most interesting to viewers already familiar with the city.

The film’s organization also seemed confusing at times, with the personal and Pittsburgh narratives not so much coming together as following parallel paths.

Though strong on charm and certainly something Pittsburgh can be proud of, “My Tale of Two Cities” still needs a few tweaks before it can be viewed with the attention it deserves.