Blue, on PBS

His iconic canine reportedly lent his name to the so-called “Blue Dog Coalition” of [mostly] Southern centrist Democrats that hardly exists anymore (ten and dwindling). More fittingly, George Rodrigue’s popular character has been pictured with many of New Orleans’ favorite sons, such as Louis Armstrong and Al Hirt. He has become a symbol of Louisiana, but before the Blue Dog, Rodrigue also preserved evocative images of his Cajun heritage. Sean O’Malley chronicles his life and work in Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue, which premieres this Thursday on participating PBS stations.

Everyone knows the Blue Dog from national ad campaigns commissioned by the likes of Xerox and Absolut. He also hangs in major museums, but establishment acceptance took quite a while. Blue Dog just seemed like too much fun to be serious art. Yet, those big eyes have a haunting vibe.

Regardless, O’Malley and company rightfully take considerable time establishing the importance of his earlier work, depicting the everyday life of Cajuns, as well as their folklore. In fact, the Blue Dog originally came out of his folkloric output, originating as a depiction of the loup-garou for a book of spooky tales.

Arguably, the portrait that emerges of Rodrigue most likely conforms to the expectations of viewers and admirers. He came from modest means and overcame considerable adversity to become one of America’s most recognizable artists. He had a passion for life and New Orleans Saints football, but Hurricane Katrina’s tragic impact on his community sent Rodrigue into a deep depression.

Ironically, Rodrigue largely avoided making public political statements during his life, yet political figures like James “Ragin’ Cajun” Carville and former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial are over-represented among the film’s voices. Fortunately, the famous people never crowd out those who knew Rodrigue best, including his widow, first wife, two sons, and several lifelong friends. Indeed, they all express genuine emotion reminiscing and paying tribute to the artist and family man.

In fact, there is a lot of authenticity baked into Blue. Although little jazz is heard throughout the film, the soundtrack was provided by the Lost Bayou Ramblers, which faithfully reflects Rodrigue’s Cajun roots. Blue only runs for an hour in duration, but it is more satisfying than many of the more heavily promoted installments of American Masters and The American Experience. Plus, it incorporates a wealth of images of the Blu Dog, whom everybody loves. Very highly recommended, Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue starts airing on many PBS outlets this Thursday (5/29), including LA’s Empire PBS.