Latest news with #Trainwreck:MayorofMayhem
Hamilton Spectator
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
The Rob Ford Netflix documentary is extra surreal for me. Because I'm in it
Many Torontonians are, thanks to a new Netflix documentary , reliving Rob Ford's wildly chaotic, world-headline-making years as the city's mayor and chief magistrate. Watching ' Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem ,' was extra surreal for me because I'm in it, among three reporters, three former mayoral staffers and two city councillors whose recollections narrate Ford's unlikely election, early mayoral success, crack-fuelled scandal and untimely death. Reactions to the doc, since it went live Tuesday, are as fascinating and varied as Torontonians' evaluations of Ford as mayor, ranging from martyred best-mayor-ever to a natural human disaster for the city. Ontario Premier Doug Ford says a new Netflix documentary about his late brother Rob Ford is "disgusting." The doc titled 'Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem" chronicles Rob Ford's rise to power as Toronto mayor in 2010 and his chaotic time in office. Speaking at a news conference in Toronto, Doug Ford said he wasn't going to watch the film, and he doesn't see eye-to-eye with the creators. (June 17, 2025 / The Canadian Press) In 2016, when asked about Ford's death from a rare cancer, I replied that it was a huge human tragedy for him and his family. For the city, his reign was collective trauma that would take years for all of us to work through. We're still doing the work. Some reviewers have questioned why do the doc, and why now . The reality is that Canada, where the Ford story is known, is a small part of Netflix's viewership. This is a fast-paced retelling aimed at a global audience including those who had never heard of him. Social media reactions from viewers in the U.S., England and elsewhere are versions of 'I remember a bit about this guy but the stuff in here is CRAZY, can it all even be true? And in Canada??' I sympathize because, even though I watched Ford like a hawk as the Star's city hall bureau chief, I had forgotten how many embarrassing videos surfaced before he finally went to rehab. Torontonians' reactions seem split between Ford fans who, like his brother Doug the premier, think that making a doc is 'disgusting,' those who say the filmmakers made a balanced and informative recounting, and those who say glowing tributes and missing details hide lasting damage Ford did to the city's reputation, transit, finances and more. My take is that U.K.-based director Shianne Brown and her team did a great job in the run time they had, less than 50 minutes, and within the confines of a 'Trainwreck' series focused on promising things that went horribly wrong. I can say from my window into the process that they took the challenge seriously and did exhaustive research, including three background interviews with me before I went on camera. Could the Rob Ford experience have sustained a 90-minute treatment, or longer? Absolutely. The doc doesn't mention the saga of Ford mugging my then-colleague Daniel Dale of his BlackBerry , trying to ruin Daniel's reputation with a heinous falsehood and being forced to apologize . Also missing are Ford's visits to Taste of the Danforth and the Biermarkt, as well as wandering through city hall at 2:30 a.m. with a half-drunk bottle of brandy . A friend who worked at city hall and knew Ford well told me the story is crying out for a multi-part, Scorsese-esque dramatization. Brown artfully covered the question 'What happened?' A longer run time would have allowed a look at 'Why?', and a deeper exploration of the most complicated person I have met in 36 years of reporting. The film mentions the strong influence of Doug Ford Sr., the rags-to-riches millionaire patriarch and one-term Progressive Conservative MPP who was 'tough' on the kids but sparked their ambition before his own premature cancer death. There is more to consider on that. In 2014, I examined why the Fords had no 'off switch,' no matter what came at them, by talking to Doug Ford and family friends. Doug Sr. used to call his four privileged children's unlimited potential 'the gold mine.' 'Any time he got ticked off he'd say, 'You aren't mining the gold!' ' Doug recalled. 'The gold mine, it doesn't have to be financial. You have an opportunity and take advantage of the opportunity.' In 2010 when Rob Ford launched his mayoral campaign at an Etobicoke convention hall , he choked up looking skyward and said: 'He was my idol ... I know you're with me Dad, I know you're with me.' For the 2014 story , when Rob Ford was deep in addiction and scandal, people who knew Doug Sr. and his sons told me that the father who ignited Rob's passion for politics was the only person who could have forced him to temporarily quit to get healthy — but he was gone. The documentary doesn't include the mayor captured by police surveillance drinking in the Etobicoke park named after his father. He seemed haunted by the loss of Doug Sr., the pressures of being mayor of Canada's biggest city — a job he appeared to dislike except for public appearances and helping individuals — and multiple investigations into his conduct. In the documentary, I note that Rob attempted to demonize and delegitimize media, hitting hardest those most likely to expose or criticize him, before U.S. President Donald Trump did the same. Part of the reason Ford is still important is that he was a warning that the populist ability to buffalo through any allegation, with bravado and no shame, is an incredibly powerful political weapon. Something else I felt when the documentary ended was a phantom-limb-like memory of my exhaustion trying to ensure we were keeping up with a seemingly inexhaustible mayor on an extended rampage. I was seeing my wife and young kids so little, and thinking about Ford so much, that I sought and got a nine-month fellowship — my rehab from Rob Ford — at U of T's Massey College. But on a fellowship trip to Berlin I opened a newspaper, aiming to test my high school German, only to see a front-page story headlined 'Crack-rauchen Bürgermeister' — crack-smoking mayor — and knew that I could not escape Rob Ford. Later, when I was back at work and Ford was back from rehab, my doctor sent me to a private clinic for my first routine colonoscopy. As an anesthetist prepared to put me out, the physician about to perform the procedure asked what I do for a living. When I told him, he beamed and said he knew Ford from the Muskoka addiction clinic, adding 'I like Rob!' My stomach lurched. Ford Nation folks hated the Star, and by extension me. 'But him,' the physician said, pointing at the anesthetist as the needle slid into my arm, 'he LOVES Rob Ford.' 'Oh my God,' I thought just before the lights went out, 'they're going to kill me.' Spoiler: They were completely professional and I survived. But I couldn't escape Rob Ford. I still can't, and we still can't. We're still doing the work.
Vancouver Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
Doug Ford on Netflix documentary about brother: 'Poor Rob's been dead for 9 years.... Leave the guy alone'
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has commented on a Netflix documentary about his late brother and former mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford. 'They're disgusting people,' he said, referring to the filmmakers, at a news conference on Tuesday. 'Poor Rob's been dead for nine years and they just want to keep going after him. I talked to one person that saw it. It's just disgusting. Leave the guy alone. Let him rest in peace. Let his family rest in peace.' The premier said that he would not be watching the documentary, entitled Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem. It was released on the streaming service in Canada on June 17. The 49-minute film covers Rob's rise to prominence as a politician, from city councillor to mayor, in Canada's largest city. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Despite having the support of many of the city's residents, Rob was a polarizing figure. As his former staffer Tom Beyer described it in the film, there were often two reactions when people saw him driving Rob's campaign bus on the streets while he was running for mayor. 'People would be waving and cheering, and others would be giving me the finger,' said Beyer. 'There was no middle ground.' Rob was elected mayor in 2010. In the first year of his mayoralty, he was 'able to get his agenda passed,' city councillor Josh Matlow said in the documentary. 'He was ticking off, piece by piece, his plan to make the city work and end the waste,' said Mark Towhey, Rob's former chief of staff. However, Rob was also known for making off the cuff remarks to the media and in city hall's council chambers. He was accused of inappropriate behaviour while intoxicated, including showing up at a gala while drunk , confronting a couple at a Maple Leafs game, and drinking in his City Hall office on St. Patrick's Day in 2012 . Photos and videos allegedly showing him inebriated surfaced many times during his mayoralty, according to media reports at the time, which prompted him to either deny wrongdoings, or in some cases, apologize. The situation became more dire in 2013 when reports circulated that there was a video of Rob smoking crack cocaine out of a glass pipe. He denied the drug use at first, but later, in November of that year, admitted to it. 'Yes, I have smoked crack cocaine,' he told reporters. 'Do I? Am I an addict? No.' He said it was possible he had tried the drug in one of his 'drunken stupors.' The documentary follows the subsequent fallout from the admission, as well as Rob's fatal battle with cancer. He died in March 2016. 'Let his family rest in peace,' said Doug on Tuesday. 'It absolutely infuriates me, to be honest with you. They want the truth, talk to the real people that absolutely love him. I'll leave it at that.' The office of the premier told National Post that his remarks made on Tuesday stand as his response to the documentary. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Edmonton Journal
a day ago
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
Doug Ford on Netflix documentary about brother: 'Poor Rob's been dead for 9 years.... Leave the guy alone'
Article content Ontario Premier Doug Ford has commented on a Netflix documentary about his late brother and former mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford. 'They're disgusting people,' he said, referring to the filmmakers, at a news conference on Tuesday. 'Poor Rob's been dead for nine years and they just want to keep going after him. I talked to one person that saw it. It's just disgusting. Leave the guy alone. Let him rest in peace. Let his family rest in peace.' Article content The premier said that he would not be watching the documentary, entitled Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem. It was released on the streaming service in Canada on June 17. The 49-minute film covers Rob's rise to prominence as a politician, from city councillor to mayor, in Canada's largest city. Despite having the support of many of the city's residents, Rob was a polarizing figure. As his former staffer Tom Beyer described it in the film, there were often two reactions when people saw him driving Rob's campaign bus on the streets while he was running for mayor. 'People would be waving and cheering, and others would be giving me the finger,' said Beyer. 'There was no middle ground.' Rob was elected mayor in 2010. In the first year of his mayoralty, he was 'able to get his agenda passed,' city councillor Josh Matlow said in the documentary. 'He was ticking off, piece by piece, his plan to make the city work and end the waste,' said Mark Towhey, Rob's former chief of staff. Article content However, Rob was also known for making off the cuff remarks to the media and in city hall's council chambers. He was accused of inappropriate behaviour while intoxicated, including showing up at a gala while drunk, confronting a couple at a Maple Leafs game, and drinking in his City Hall office on St. Patrick's Day in 2012. Photos and videos allegedly showing him inebriated surfaced many times during his mayoralty, according to media reports at the time, which prompted him to either deny wrongdoings, or in some cases, apologize. The situation became more dire in 2013 when reports circulated that there was a video of Rob smoking crack cocaine out of a glass pipe. He denied the drug use at first, but later, in November of that year, admitted to it. 'Yes, I have smoked crack cocaine,' he told reporters. 'Do I? Am I an addict? No.' He said it was possible he had tried the drug in one of his 'drunken stupors.' Latest National Stories
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming picks: The Eclipse, The Violent Men and America's Sweethearts
Mark Moriarty: Cook Like a Chef RTÉ One, 8pm On the menu this week are baba ghanoush with grilled focaccia, barbecue striploin steak with a béarnaise sauce and a classic Caesar salad and, last but not least, burnt Basque cheesecake with dressed berries. Mark Moriarty: Cook Like a Chef The Repair Shop on the Road BBC One, 8pm Dominic Chinea and Lucia Scalisi visit Glasgow to help a local blacksmith and her apprentice re-gild the local cathedral's weathervane. A mask also needs painting conservator Lucia's expertise. Race Across the World Race Across the World BBC One, 9pm Six months after completing their epic journey across China, Nepal and India, the five couples reunite to discuss their experiences. There's a chance for viewers to watch previously unseen footage too. The Eclipse TG4, 11.15pm New French mystery thriller set within a picturesque rural community in the Aubrac region. As the locals gather to celebrate a forthcoming eclipse, tragedy strikes, and it's up to local police officers Manue and Johanna, who have a personal connection to the case, to investigate. The Violent Men The Violent Men Film4, 2.50pm Western starring Edward G Robinson as a ruthless cattle baron whose bullying ways drive his wife away and earn him the enmity of a civil war veteran. Barbara Stanwyck, Glenn Ford and Brian Keith head the excellent supporting cast. Yolanthe Prime Video, streaming now Some eyeball bubblegum in the form of Netflix's 'first Dutch reality series'. It follows Yolanthe Cabau as she builds a life in LA with Wesley Sneijder's son. America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Netflix, streaming now Expect gussets galore and grinning faces all over your Netflix landing page for the foreseeable. The creators of Cheer and Last Chance U bring you season two of the auditions. We Were Liars We Were Liars Prime Video, streaming now Based on E Lockhart's YA 2014 book. You can guess the rest. Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem Netflix, streaming now Initially dismissed as a joke by politicians and the media alike, Rob Ford's unexpected 2010 Toronto mayoral election bid defied expectations with a stunning landslide victory. However, his administration soon spiralled into chaos, marred by scandals and allegations of hard drug use, igniting an international media frenzy. Rob was 15 years too early; no one would bat an eyelid nowadays. Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem Sally Disney+, streaming now Sally Ride made history as the first American woman in space, but behind her serene exterior lay a deeply personal story. For 27 years, she shared her life with writer and professional tennis player Tam O'Shaughnessy, who now unveils the untold journey of their relationship in this Cristina Costantini-directed film. American Thunder American Thunder Prime Video, streaming now Celebrating its 100th anniversary in June 2023, the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans — one of motorsports' most prestigious endurance races — introduced an unexpected competitor: stock car aficionados Nascar. As for what they brought to proceedings? A Chevrolet Camaro to compete against cutting-edge Ferrari and Porsche prototypes in this almost fabled, gruelling test of long-distance racing. Competing at Le Mans was the lifelong dream of Nascar chairman and CEO Jim France. As such, he brought in Hendrick Motorsports, the most successful team in Nascar history, to build and race the car (which, again, was a Camaro). On the plus side, he also enlisted the help of elite drivers Jenson Button, Jimmie Johnson and Mike Rockenfeller. Over the course of 18 months, this team transformed a car built for (at most) three-hour oval track races in the US into one capable of surviving the relentless 24-hour challenge. Deep Cover Deep Cover Prime Video, streaming now Not to be mistaken for the 1990s movie starring Fishburne and Goldblum, this film is about an improv teacher and her two students posing as criminals to slip into London's underworld. Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom, Nick Mohammed and Sean Bean have their work cut out for them to make this fly. Return to the Wild Return to the Wild Disney+, streaming now Famed as 'the greatest living explorer', Sir Ranulph 'Ran' Fiennes joins his cousin, actor Joseph Fiennes (no sign of brother Ralph, unfortunately), on a breathtaking journey through British Columbia. As they navigate its rugged terrain, they reflect on Ran's legendary expeditions, his battle with Parkinson's, and the deepening bond forged through their shared adventure. Echo Valley AppleTV+, streaming now Julianne Moore and Domhnall Gleeson are getting all the work of late. Both co-star in this thriller about a mother who will do anything to keep her drug-addled daughter 'safe' (including body disposal). Written by Brad Ingelsby ( Mare of Easttown ), this moody (if a tad predictable) number stars Sydney Sweeney alongside 'dad' Kyle MacLachlan and Fiona Shaw.
Toronto Star
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
Doug Ford said he won't watch Netflix documentary on his brother Rob Ford
As Netflix's new documentary on Rob Ford hit airwaves Tuesday morning, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he won't be one of the people tuning in. 'I'm not going to watch it. They're disgusting people,' he said of Netflix at a Tuesday news conference. 'Poor Rob has been dead for nine years and they just want to keep going after him.' The Netflix documentary, 'Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem,' chronicles Rob Ford's rise to becoming Toronto's 64th mayor and the scandals that surfaced during his time in office, notably one where he was caught smoking crack cocaine on camera. It's the second of an anthology series exploring events that dominated headlines worldwide, following 'Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy,' which premiered on June 10. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Ontario Premier Doug Ford says a new Netflix documentary about his late brother Rob Ford is "disgusting." The doc titled 'Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem" chronicles Rob Ford's rise to power as Toronto mayor in 2010 and his chaotic time in office. Speaking at a news conference in Toronto, Doug Ford said he wasn't going to watch the film, and he doesn't see eye-to-eye with the creators. (June 17, 2025 / The Canadian Press) Rob Ford died of cancer in 2016. He was 46. Shianne Brown, the film's director, said that the filmmakers contacted Doug Ford for the film, but he didn't want to take part. Still, the documentary offers an inside look at Rob Ford's rise and fall through voices from many other corners of his life — from former chief of staff Mark Towhey, executive assistant Tom Beyer and special assistant Jerry Agyemang, to journalists like former Star reporter Robyn Doolittle and Star city hall reporter David Rider. Inside Netflix's new documentary about Rob Ford, Toronto's 'Mayor of Mayhem' Speaking at Tuesday's news conference, a frustrated Doug Ford pleaded to let his brother's legacy rest. 'I talked to one person who saw it and it's just disgusting. Leave the guy alone. Let him rest in peace. Let his family rest in peace,' he said. +3 Rob Ford documentary: 'Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem' rehashes Ford's turbulent years in office but also makes you wonder 'What if?' 'They're just disgusting people. It absolutely infuriates me, to be honest with you. They want the truth? Talk to the real people. I absolutely love him, so I'll leave it at that.' Netflix said it has no comment when asked about Doug Ford's remarks. The Star also reached out to the filmmakers regarding the premier's comments, but haven't received a response. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Wrapped in controversy during his time as mayor, Rob Ford earned international notoriety when two Star reporters viewed a video — three times — of him smoking crack in 2013 and reports quickly spread. Following months of denying using the substance, he ultimately admitted to using crack in November 2013. Contributors Opinion Edward Keenan: Toronto still lives in the shadow of Rob Ford At once beloved and condemned, the contentious mayor is still very much with us today. Contributors Opinion Edward Keenan: Toronto still lives in the shadow of Rob Ford At once beloved and condemned, the contentious mayor is still very much with us today. However, through making the documentary, Brown said she learned Ford was a 'complex character' who resonated with people by taking a grassroots approach. In one scene, Rob Ford strolls through an apartment, asking if anyone is having trouble with their unit. In another, at his funeral, Doug Ford recalls the time his brother — while mayor — delivered a sandwich to a Mr. Sub customer after a worker didn't have an available driver. Moments like these, Brown said, show how he connected with voters. 'I feel that we all love the underdog. He was an underdog,' she said. 'He wasn't a part of that David Miller establishment. He was kind of like an outsider to it all.' She said she hopes the audience comes away from the film with a deeper understanding of who Rob Ford was — with and without the scandals. 'I think Rob represents something in all humans … and (how) nobody's perfect,' she said. 'But the scandals speak for themselves — and it makes things a bit interesting.'
