Harley

Description: Harley Breite is a criminal defence lawyer in Patterson, New Jersey. He cuts a striking figure with his trademark ponytail and bow tie. “I represent the most despised people in society,” he says. This includes “a Moslem fellow who actually [tried to blow] up the synagogue where I learned to read Hebrew when I was a little kid... We got him probation and no criminal record." (The twentyone year old was apparently charged with throwing lit firecrackers at the temple while shouting ‘Allahu Akhbar.’) Breite is fond of a mysterious woman who lives in Switzerland whom he lavishes with gifts and takes on holidays to Portugal every month. Despite his devotion to her, she is unwilling to leave her boyfriend and to make a commitment to him. Breite, a bodybuilder, practices a form of martial arts and is gearing up for a competition in Brazil. He lives with his mother. She is very opinionated about the ‘girlfriend’ (would not have been her choice,) his criminal defence work (difficult to justify to her friends) and his martial arts hobby (which leaves her worried for his safety.) He and his mum devote time to his Harley’s Kids charity which hosts parties for local mentally challenged people.

Merits: One wonders what motivates people like Breite to expose themselves to documentary filmmakers and run the risk of being lampooned. Fortunately for him, Delaloye gives us a nuanced view of what shaped his tragic character: the physically small boy who was cruelly bullied at school and who now stands up for himself and his clients.

Rating: Mild strong language.

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