Al Sharpton: ‘I learned from James Brown – you have to be dramatic’

Al Sharpton: ‘I’ve seen too many breakthroughs not to believe in breakthroughs.’ Photograph: Greenwich Entertainment

There are many familiar sides to the Rev Al Sharpton. There is Al Sharpton the preacher-protester, marching fearlessly through hostile white neighbourhoods in New York City; Al Sharpton the racial justice warrior, arm-in-arm with the mother of the latest police shooting victim; Al Sharpton the progressive TV host, pounding out his monologue on MSNBC.

Then there is the very unfamiliar image that fills the screen towards the end of Loudmouth, the new documentary on his life and battles. It shows Al Sharpton slumped to the ground, literally on his knees.