Movie Review Monday: Burt's Buzz
Welcome to another awesome edition of Movie Review Monday!
This week's movie is the 2013 documentary Burt's Buzz.
The film examines the life of Burt Shavitz, the interesting and unique man behind the popular Burt's Bees brand and his estranged relationship with the company that shares his name.
I felt compelled to check out this movie since it has a Maine connection (where Burt resides now) and I've used a handful of different Burt's Bees products over the years. I was curious how the person synonymous with this brand could have such a dysfunctional connection with it in reality.
The essence of the film is just a snapshot of Burt's life currently, and how he got to be there. His relationships with the Burt's Bees company, which is a global corporation, became strained after Burt felt at odds with this rapid expansion, which was pushed by his partner at the time. He left the company but still positively represents the brand at public engagements. This creates an awkward balance since he doesn't like what the company has become but he still supports it since it is still his namesake.
I liked this movie and Burt's message of simplicity. He lives a humble life but could have easily had much more. He was a wayward soul his whole life who did whatever he wanted to do however he wanted to do it. He lives on his own terms and keeps a minimalist, natural life which I can appreciate in an age where many people have too much, love too little, and are always looking for what they don't have and (think) they want/need.
Check out Burt's Buzz, streaming right now on Netflix!