“Enlighten Us: The Rise and Fall of James Arthur Ray” first premiered earlier this year at the Tribeca Film Festival and was re-aired as a CNN special this month. The documentary covers the story of James Arthur Ray, a motivational speaker who spent two years in jail after being found guilty of negligent homicide during a retreat at a sweat lodge in Arizona. Directed by Jenny Carchman, the film tracks Ray’s rapid rise and fall from grace as one of the most prominent motivational speakers in both the country and the world.
Carchman’s approach to the documentary was highly methodical yet shockingly intimate. She intersperses personal footage from Ray, his family and friends with touching, dark interviews from previous clients who took part in the Arizona retreat and witnessed the deaths of the three patrons. Her film presents a chilling portrait of a man who gained the trust of millions and subsequently lost it after pushing them beyond their personal limits. She augments this narrative with a brief history of the popularity of self-help in the United States and the economic crisis of 2008, which played a large role in Ray’s conceptualization of the Spiritual Warrior retreat where the deaths occurred.
The various perspectives culminate in a very objective depiction of Ray, leaving the viewer to form their own opinion. In juxtaposing childhood photographs and courtroom footage, Carchman lays bare the various facets of his personality.
Despite the charisma that attracted Ray’s audience, it is difficult to discern from interviews whether he is genuine in his sentiments about helping others. In this way, Carchman strikes an effective balance, revealing just enough context and perspective to inform viewers while leaving her own opinion outside of the narrative.
Overall, Carchman’s delicately executed documentary presents a harrowing portrait of an influential man — acclaimed by some, demonized by others — and how his mission ultimately led to his downfall.
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