One good measure of a documentary is how it enlightens. That is, it teaches you something about space travel, World War 2, spelling bees, etc., Another good measure of a documentary is how it communicates basic human nature. That is to say, no matter how different we are, there are of course many things that we all share. The Entrepreneur is a compelling and low-key documentary that covers both bases remarkably well. The film offers a fascinating look at an industry that, on the surface, sounds pretty darn boring. And then it becomes a human interest story about a die-hard businessman who simply doesn't know the meaning of the word "quit."

The subject is Mr. Malcolm Bricklin, a colorful and sharply intelligent businessman who knows the pleasure of huge successes -- and the miseries of huge failures. Fans of the automotive industry will know Bricklin as the man who brought Subaru to the United States ... and became a huge success while doing so. He also introduced the Yugo to American buyers, and then lost his fortune through a series of failed investments. These days, Mr. Bricklin is intent on introducing a Chinese automobile to American car drivers, and we get to tag along for the ride.

Directed by Malcolm's son, John, The Entrepreneur takes us through every meeting, every pitch session, every plane ride, and every impatient investor as Mr. Bricklin tries to pull off a revolutionary "dealer-based" sales structure. Through highs and lows John's camera is allowed access to the complete range of emotion: When Malcolm nails a pitch meeting through hardball tactics, the viewer is both impressed by the man's boardroom savvy ... just as we cringe because he may have just shot himself in the foot.

It's the "free range" access that elevates The Entrepreneur beyond that of a typical "fly on the wall" documentary. Several of Malcolm's own colleagues bristle at the presence of a camera, but the veteran businessman clearly sees the value of capturing the whole "Chery Deal" on film. John's camera captures some rather compelling insights on the psychology of business, the importance of intelligence and preparation, and the simply beauty of "the art of the deal." Fortunately, Malcolm 'shall himself is enough of a character to be worthy of 90-some minutes. In many ways Mr. Bricklin is a born salesman: He's quick-witted and gregarious, but also a bit brazen and sometimes pushy. His hunches and instincts pay big dividends ... but then circumstance throws another road-block in his path. Yet even when things look their worst, John's camera keeps rolling, and the result is a character study / business documentary that slowly becomes an intense little drama movie: WILL Malcolm be able to pull of this amazing deal with the Chinese?

One might expect a documentary about "the director's dad" would be a relative puff piece, but John Bricklin captures an impressive array of angles here. Clearly the guy respects his dad's business acumen, but this doesn't stop the filmmaker from allowing us to draw our own conclusions about Marshall. As a portrait of a larger than life American entrepreneur who decides to tackle one more gigantic deal, this documentary is certainly interesting enough. But combined with the accessible little lessons to be learned about the car industry, the subject's effortlessly amusing persona, and the built-in intensity of the "Chery Deal," The Entrepreneur is a surprisingly multi-dimensional and consistently entertaining film.

Produced by Morgan Spurlock, The Entrepreneur debuts online today at SnagFilms.com. Click here for more info.