The investigative docuseries "The New York Times Presents" has examined some of the most high-profile stories in news and pop culture since its debut in 2019, ranging from Janet Jackson's Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction to the conservatorship of Britney Spears. The latest installment in the series, "Sin Eater: The Crimes of Anthony Pellicano," dives into the gritty work of "Hollywood Fixer" Anthony Pellicano, a private investigator that worked for some of Hollywood's top lawyers, musicians, comedians, actors, and more from the 1980s to the early 2000s.
Pellicano's unorthodox and often ruthless methods ultimately led to his downfall. In 2006, he was formally out of the business when he was arrested on charges of conspiring to wiretap and blackmail. After a trial that exposed his covert operation, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2008.
Before watching "Sin Eater: The Crimes of Anthony Pellicano," which hit FX and Hulu on March 10, here...
Pellicano's unorthodox and often ruthless methods ultimately led to his downfall. In 2006, he was formally out of the business when he was arrested on charges of conspiring to wiretap and blackmail. After a trial that exposed his covert operation, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2008.
Before watching "Sin Eater: The Crimes of Anthony Pellicano," which hit FX and Hulu on March 10, here...
- 3/10/2023
- by Alicia Geigel
- Popsugar.com
Throughout dozens of interviews in FX’s Sin Eater: The Crimes of Anthony Pellicano, one particular description of the whole saga comes up again and again: “It’s like a movie.” And it really is, with its attention-grabbing combination of big money, celebrity scandal and illegal espionage. A drama, perhaps, about the sordid excesses of showbiz. Or one about determined journalists taking a corrupt system to task. Maybe it’s a spy thriller, or a juicy tell-all, or a character study of a villain, or a tragedy about lingering trauma.
Each version of this tale has its undeniable pull, and Sin Eater takes on notes of them all at various points. But if such a multifaceted approach reflects admirable and ambitious intentions, it also scatters its attention — resulting in a gripping docuseries that nevertheless lands more softly than it should.
Directed by John Pappas, Sin Eater is loosely split into two parts.
Each version of this tale has its undeniable pull, and Sin Eater takes on notes of them all at various points. But if such a multifaceted approach reflects admirable and ambitious intentions, it also scatters its attention — resulting in a gripping docuseries that nevertheless lands more softly than it should.
Directed by John Pappas, Sin Eater is loosely split into two parts.
- 3/9/2023
- by Angie Han
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Da Pennebaker, the Academy Award-nominated director of 60 documentaries whose career encompassed more than 50 years, has died at the age of 94. A seminal figure of the cinema vérité movement, Pennebaker helmed such nonfiction masterpieces as “Monterey Pop,” “The War Room,” and “Bob Dylan: Don’t Look Back,” bringing his canny eye upon everything from 1960s counterculture to the urgent political issues of the day. He is survived by his wife and frequent collaborator Chris Hegedus. Pennebaker died of natural causes on August 1, according to his son, Frazer Pennebaker.
In tribute to the late filmmaker, IndieWire has assembled five must-see films from Pennebaker’s prolific catalogue.
“Primary” (1960)
Pennebaker edited Robert Drew’s groundbreaking 1960 “Primary,” which plunges us into the 1960 Wisconsin primary election face-off between John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey, as they vie for the presidency. With its handheld camerawork and intimate proximity to its subjects, this was a groundbreaking moment for documentary film,...
In tribute to the late filmmaker, IndieWire has assembled five must-see films from Pennebaker’s prolific catalogue.
“Primary” (1960)
Pennebaker edited Robert Drew’s groundbreaking 1960 “Primary,” which plunges us into the 1960 Wisconsin primary election face-off between John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey, as they vie for the presidency. With its handheld camerawork and intimate proximity to its subjects, this was a groundbreaking moment for documentary film,...
- 8/3/2019
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Before Monica Lewinsky, Bill Clinton denied (and then admitted) to having an affair with Gennifer Flowers. The singer came forward during the former president's 1992 election campaign and revealed she had a 12-year relationship with the married politician. Now, she is claiming that before their consensual affair, Clinton sexually harassed her. "When I first met Bill Clinton, it was when I was sent on my first story by myself after my training with my cameraman,” Gennifer explained on The Ingraham Angle. "He came on to me that night, I told him to knock it off. He proceeded to continue to come on to me for three months before I decided that I wanted to have a relationship with him, which at that point was consensual. But in today's standards, and in hindsight, it was definitely sexual harassment." Gennifer, who was 27 when her affair with Bill began, also called for "Slick Willie...
- 6/6/2018
- by Anna Quintana
- In Touch Weekly
Anthony Weiner made headlines for a lot of unseemly reasons in 2015, but it started with a documentary. When “Weiner” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last January, it was an instant sensation. Directors Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg provide a jarring closeup on the scandal-ridden congressman’s ill-fated mayoral campaign, which started as a tale of redemption and climaxed in embarrassment, with Weiner’s sexting addiction stifling his momentum.
More than that, the movie — currently on the shortlist for the best documentary Oscar — gained in relevance as the year continued, with Hillary Clinton aide and Weiner spouse Huma Abedin separating from her husband in the midst of Clinton’s presidential campaign as more allegations came to light. Later, news of an FBI investigation into Weiner’s emails led to a public letter from FBI director James Comey that many believe to have played a key role in the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.
More than that, the movie — currently on the shortlist for the best documentary Oscar — gained in relevance as the year continued, with Hillary Clinton aide and Weiner spouse Huma Abedin separating from her husband in the midst of Clinton’s presidential campaign as more allegations came to light. Later, news of an FBI investigation into Weiner’s emails led to a public letter from FBI director James Comey that many believe to have played a key role in the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.
- 1/3/2017
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Just moments after leaving the debate stage on Monday night, Donald Trump paid a visit to the "spin room" to shed light on a veiled threat he made earlier that night to "say something extremely rough" to Hillary Clinton and her family. "Everything I wanted to say I got out except for the transgressions of Bill," Trump said of his opponent's husband, former President Bill Clinton. The Gop nominee added that he didn't want to "say what he wanted to say with Chelsea in the room." "I'm very happy that I was able to hold back on the indiscretions with...
- 9/27/2016
- by Tierney McAfee, @tierneymcafee
- PEOPLE.com
Just moments after leaving the debate stage on Monday night, Donald Trump paid a visit to the "spin room" to shed light on a veiled threat he made earlier that night to "say something extremely rough" to Hillary Clinton and her family. "Everything I wanted to say I got out except for the transgressions of Bill," Trump said of his opponent's husband, former President Bill Clinton. The Gop nominee added that he didn't want to "say what he wanted to say with Chelsea in the room." "I'm very happy that I was able to hold back on the indiscretions with...
- 9/27/2016
- by Tierney McAfee, @tierneymcafee
- PEOPLE.com
Billionaire businessman Mark Cuban admitted to reporters on Monday before the presidential debate that he lied over the weekend about planning on sitting in the front row to bother Donald Trump, according to Business Insider. “First of all, when I tweeted that I was going to sit in the first row, I didn’t have a first-row seat,” Cuban said. “I knew that it would get under his skin and drive him crazy. Mission accomplished.” Trump famously replied to news that Cuban would sit in the front row by tweeting that alleged former Bill Clinton mistress Gennifer Flowers could be positioned next to.
- 9/27/2016
- by Brian Flood
- The Wrap
Gennifer Flowers was not invited to this Monday’s presidential candidate debate by Donald Trump after all, according to his campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway. “She has not been invited by the campaign,” Conway said on ABC’s “This Week.” “She has a right to be there if somebody else gives her a ticket,” she added. Trump brought old issues to light naming Flowers, who says she had an affair with Bill Clinton, to the first presidential debate airing Monday night. Also Read: Donald Trump Invites Gennifer Flowers to Clinton Debate After learning that “Shark Tank” investor Mark Cuban was not...
- 9/25/2016
- by Meriah Doty
- The Wrap
Updated Sunday Morning Donald Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway told George Stephanopoulos that Gennifer Flowers won’t be getting a debate ticket, at least not from Conway’s boss. “She has not been invited by the campaign,” Conway said on This Week With George Stephanopoulos. “She has a right to be there if somebody else gives her a ticket.” Asked by Stephanopoulos why Trump put out the tweet, Conway, after first sniping at Mark Cuban, said that Trump “wants to…...
- 9/25/2016
- Deadline TV
Gennifer Flowers, the one-time mistress of former President Bill Clinton, has accepted Donald Trump's invite to attend the first presidential debate, but a source from the Republican nominee's campaign says it's unlikely that she'll actually attend. Fox News reported Sunday that a Trump insider said that the businessman wouldn't actually invite any special guests that highlight the Clinton family's personal lives. In response to news that rival Mark Cuban would be at the New York-based debate, Trump tweeted Saturday, "If dopey Mark Cuban of failed Benefactor fame wants to sit in the front row, perhaps I will put Gennifer Flowers right alongside of him!
- 9/25/2016
- by Lindsay Kimble and Sandra Sobieraj Westfall
- PEOPLE.com
Gennifer Flowers, the one-time mistress of former President Bill Clinton, has accepted Donald Trump's invite to attend the first presidential debate, but a source from the Republican nominee's campaign says it's unlikely that she'll actually attend. Fox News reported Sunday that a Trump insider said that the businessman wouldn't actually invite any special guests that highlight the Clinton family's personal lives. In response to news that rival Mark Cuban would be at the New York-based debate, Trump tweeted Saturday, "If dopey Mark Cuban of failed Benefactor fame wants to sit in the front row, perhaps I will put Gennifer Flowers right alongside of him!
- 9/25/2016
- by Lindsay Kimble and Sandra Sobieraj Westfall
- PEOPLE.com
It is on between rivals Mark Cuban and Donald Trump, and the Clintons are getting caught up in it. After Cuban tweeted about his front-row seat at the upcoming presidential debate to support Hillary Clinton, Trump fired back on his own Twitter account. "If dopey Mark Cuban of failed Benefactor fame wants to sit in the front row, perhaps I will put Gennifer Flowers right alongside of him!" the Republican presidential candidate wrote in a tweet posted on Saturday. During Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign, Flowers, a model and actress, came forward to claim that she had had a 12-year,...
- 9/24/2016
- by Blake Bakkila, @bcbakkila
- PEOPLE.com
It is on between rivals Mark Cuban and Donald Trump, and the Clintons are getting caught up in it. After Cuban tweeted about his front-row seat at the upcoming presidential debate to support Hillary Clinton, Trump fired back on his own Twitter account. "If dopey Mark Cuban of failed Benefactor fame wants to sit in the front row, perhaps I will put Gennifer Flowers right alongside of him!" the Republican presidential candidate wrote in a tweet posted on Saturday. During Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign, Flowers, a model and actress, came forward to claim that she had had a 12-year,...
- 9/24/2016
- by Blake Bakkila, @bcbakkila
- PEOPLE.com
Donald Trump has invited Gennifer Flowers, who says she had an affair with Bill Clinton, to the first presidential debate Monday — and seems to have gotten an RSVP. After learning that “Shark Tank” investor Mark Cuban was not only helping prep Hillary Clinton for Monday’s debate but was also asked to sit front and center during the face-off, Trump did what Trump does and took to Twitter. If dopey Mark Cuban of failed Benefactor fame wants to sit in the front row, perhaps I will put Gennifer Flowers right alongside of him! - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2016 Also Read:.
- 9/24/2016
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
Donald Trump on Saturday morning floated the idea of inviting Gennifer Flowers to Monday's presidential debate in response to a growing feud with Mark Cuban. Flowers made headlines in the 1990s when she said she had a sexual relationship with Bill Clinton. In July, Trump told The Hollywood Reporter that he would not go over the Monica Lewinsky line unless he was pushed to do so by Hillary Clinton. Cuban on Friday said he was attending the debate and would be sitting in the front row. One of Clinton's aides told CNN the campaign had invited the NBA team owner to the event.
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- 9/24/2016
- by Ryan Parker
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hillary Clinton suffered a devastating 22-point defeat to Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday. Although Sanders was long heavily favored to win in the state that neighbors his home turf in Vermont, the stunning margin of Clinton's loss - the biggest in a contested New Hampshire Democratic primary in decades, according to Politico - has many wondering how this will affect her campaign in the long run. Is this, as Sanders put it, the start of a political revolution - and the beginning of the end for Clinton's second White House bid? Political Experts Weigh...
- 2/10/2016
- by Tierney McAfee, @tierneymcafee
- PEOPLE.com
Did Bill Clinton and Elizabeth Hurley have a sordid affair while the former President was still in the White House? According to an unearthed audio recording from Elizabeth’s troubled ex Tom Sizemore, the answer is yes.
An unearthed audio recording between the recovering drug addict actor Tom Sizemore and two unnamed friends details how Bill Clinton allegedly once sent a plane to fly Elizabeth Hurley to the White House in order to have sex with her.
Bill Clinton & Elizabeth Hurley Had An Affair? — Shocking Report
Now this is strange. Celebrity Rehab alum Tom — who was allegedly caught using heroin and crystal meth at the end of 2013 — told two unnamed friends during a January 2014 recorded conversation that he arranged the first meeting between the former President and the Austin Powers star. RadarOnline dug up the conversation, which details how Clinton pulled Sizemore away from his costars Matt Damon and Tom Hanks...
An unearthed audio recording between the recovering drug addict actor Tom Sizemore and two unnamed friends details how Bill Clinton allegedly once sent a plane to fly Elizabeth Hurley to the White House in order to have sex with her.
Bill Clinton & Elizabeth Hurley Had An Affair? — Shocking Report
Now this is strange. Celebrity Rehab alum Tom — who was allegedly caught using heroin and crystal meth at the end of 2013 — told two unnamed friends during a January 2014 recorded conversation that he arranged the first meeting between the former President and the Austin Powers star. RadarOnline dug up the conversation, which details how Clinton pulled Sizemore away from his costars Matt Damon and Tom Hanks...
- 2/5/2014
- by HL Intern
- HollywoodLife
Is Hillary Clinton eyeing the presidency? Should she? Barbara Walters got all the answers — sort of.
Only on Barbara Walters‘ 10 Most Fascinating People of 2013 special would Kim Kardashian ever be in the same category as Hillary Clinton, which is exactly what happened during the Dec. 18 airing. One of the most famous women in politics, Hillary was not only named the most fascinating person of the year, but of the past 20 years — and, of course, Miz Walters pressed that ever-important question: When will Hillary run for President of the United States?
“It’s such a difficult decision, and it’s one that I’m not going to rush into,” Hillary answered, dodging the question like a boss. “I don’t think we should look at the next election. … I think we ought to pay attention to what’s happening now.”
Take Our Poll
Hillary said “next year” is when she’ll...
Only on Barbara Walters‘ 10 Most Fascinating People of 2013 special would Kim Kardashian ever be in the same category as Hillary Clinton, which is exactly what happened during the Dec. 18 airing. One of the most famous women in politics, Hillary was not only named the most fascinating person of the year, but of the past 20 years — and, of course, Miz Walters pressed that ever-important question: When will Hillary run for President of the United States?
“It’s such a difficult decision, and it’s one that I’m not going to rush into,” Hillary answered, dodging the question like a boss. “I don’t think we should look at the next election. … I think we ought to pay attention to what’s happening now.”
Take Our Poll
Hillary said “next year” is when she’ll...
- 12/19/2013
- by Andy Swift
- HollywoodLife
More than 20 years after Gennifer stirred up controversy during the 1992 Presidential election campaign by exposing her affair with Bill, she’s at it again, revealing a shocking claim about Hillary’s sexuality in a new interview.
The woman who stirred up one of the biggest scandals in Presidential history is back to making the headlines. Bill Clinton’s former mistress Gennifer Flowers has dropped a bomb about Hillary Clinton’s sexuality, and how it affects her marriage to the former President. The reveal may not be what you think!
Gennifer Flowers: Hillary Clinton Is Bisexual
Talking about Bill and Hillary’s relationship — one that she threatened to destroy when she exposed her affair with the Presidential candidate in 1992 — Gennifer may have inadvertently started a brand new controversy.
“I just know what Bill told me and that was that he was aware that Hillary was bisexual and he didn’t care,...
The woman who stirred up one of the biggest scandals in Presidential history is back to making the headlines. Bill Clinton’s former mistress Gennifer Flowers has dropped a bomb about Hillary Clinton’s sexuality, and how it affects her marriage to the former President. The reveal may not be what you think!
Gennifer Flowers: Hillary Clinton Is Bisexual
Talking about Bill and Hillary’s relationship — one that she threatened to destroy when she exposed her affair with the Presidential candidate in 1992 — Gennifer may have inadvertently started a brand new controversy.
“I just know what Bill told me and that was that he was aware that Hillary was bisexual and he didn’t care,...
- 9/19/2013
- by Andrew Gruttadaro
- HollywoodLife
This 1998 tale of a sexually voracious presidential candidate was overtaken by real-life events involving a certain Monica Lewinsky
Director: Mike Nichols
Entertainment grade: B–
History grade: D
In 1996, an anonymous author (later revealed to be Joe Klein) published Primary Colors, a roman à clef inspired by the events of Bill Clinton's first presidential campaign in 1992.
People
The novel of Primary Colors begins with a disclaimer: "this is a work of fiction … None of these events ever happened." Well, all right, but it's not difficult to make out the parallels between winsome, sexually voracious Governor Jack Stanton (John Travolta) and Bill Clinton; nor between his ambitious, long-suffering wife, Susan (Emma Thompson), and Hillary Clinton. The hair and make-up departments have enhanced the impression, though Travolta's greyed-out eyebrows – and his raspy, Clintonesque southern accent – sometimes veer towards pastiche.
Politics
Our hero, Henry Burton (Adrian Lester), is the grandson of a civil...
Director: Mike Nichols
Entertainment grade: B–
History grade: D
In 1996, an anonymous author (later revealed to be Joe Klein) published Primary Colors, a roman à clef inspired by the events of Bill Clinton's first presidential campaign in 1992.
People
The novel of Primary Colors begins with a disclaimer: "this is a work of fiction … None of these events ever happened." Well, all right, but it's not difficult to make out the parallels between winsome, sexually voracious Governor Jack Stanton (John Travolta) and Bill Clinton; nor between his ambitious, long-suffering wife, Susan (Emma Thompson), and Hillary Clinton. The hair and make-up departments have enhanced the impression, though Travolta's greyed-out eyebrows – and his raspy, Clintonesque southern accent – sometimes veer towards pastiche.
Politics
Our hero, Henry Burton (Adrian Lester), is the grandson of a civil...
- 5/29/2013
- by Alex von Tunzelmann
- The Guardian - Film News
Remember when Dennis Rodman was married to Carmen Electra?That's okay, Dennis doesn't either.The former NBA player turned North Korea envoy and the former Baywatch babe were married for nine days before filing for an annulment.In a revealing interview on Tuesday's season premiere of "Oprah: Where Are They Now," Dennis talks about the wild weekend in 1998 when he and Carmen tied the knot ... and forgot. Plus, watch as he gets emotional talking about his failed marriage to Michelle Moyer.In this clip, exclusive to toofab, Dennis talks about the biggest changes in his life and his current relationship status: For more of Dennis' interview, plus profiles on "Octomom" Nadya Suleman and Gennifer Flowers, be sure to tune in Own for "Oprah: Where Are They Now" at 10pm/9c.Plus, to see more short-lived celebrity marriages, click on the "Launch Gallery" above! Read more...
- 3/19/2013
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
And for your slightly uncomfortable news of the day—Nadya Suleman talks about her porn video to Oprah Winfrey. Octomom joins Dennis Rodman and Gennifer Flowers on Oprah's premiere episode of Where Are They Now?, airing tomorrow night at 10 p.m. on Own, and the mother of 14 was open to talking about that, ahem, film that she was recently a part of. "Years after I had the babies—the octuplets—my manager and I collaborated together on doing an independent, um, self-pleasure video," Suleman told Oprah. "I did it obviously to provide for my family. But doing it, I don't regret it. I actually, shockingly enough, it became one of the most liberating and...
- 3/19/2013
- E! Online
The popular series .Oprah: Where Are They Now?. featuring updates on some of the biggest newsmakers and most memorable .Oprah. show guests of all time, returns with all-new episodes on Tuesday, March 19 from 10-11 p.m. Et/Pt on Own: Oprah Winfrey Network. From Own The new season offers a revealing, never-before-seen look into the private lives of Dennis Rodman, .Octomom. Nadya Suleman, Gennifer Flowers, Sinbad, Marion Jones, .Sex And The City. novelist Candace Bushnell, Omarosa from .The Apprentice,. .Starsky and Hutch. actor Paul Michael Glaser, Mike Tyson, and Trista and Ryan Sutter from .The Bachelorette.. Find out where they are now and how their lives have changed after sudden fame and notoriety turned their worlds upside down. Later episodes...
- 2/21/2013
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
Chicago – With a wink and a smile, The Criterion Collection inducts Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker’s excellent “The War Room” into their arsenal eight months before the 2012 election. This riveting examination of the 1992 election from the winning side feels particularly relevant in today’s heated climate and the Blu-ray release also includes a stellar 2008 feature-length documentary called “Return to The War Room” in which the key players revisit the scene of the crime.
Blu-ray Rating: 4.5/5.0
Watching “The War Room” again one remembers the lightning in a bottle aspect of Clinton’s 1992 campaign. Seeing a glimpse of a young(er) Clinton is fascinating but the movie belongs to James Carville and George Stephanopoulos, the two men who really propelled Clinton into the White House. They were the right people at the right time for the right campaign. And the access granted to their influential and game-changing techniques was amazing. From...
Blu-ray Rating: 4.5/5.0
Watching “The War Room” again one remembers the lightning in a bottle aspect of Clinton’s 1992 campaign. Seeing a glimpse of a young(er) Clinton is fascinating but the movie belongs to James Carville and George Stephanopoulos, the two men who really propelled Clinton into the White House. They were the right people at the right time for the right campaign. And the access granted to their influential and game-changing techniques was amazing. From...
- 3/28/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
In the stress of daily living, like maybe falling over debris on a street being permanently readied for our Never To Be Seen Second Avenue subway, one might not realize that today, July 24, is Cousins Day. Who so mandated this, no idea. Not a clue. I only know Chase's Calendar of Events decrees it. I, therefore, am prepared:
Sissy Spacek and Rip Torn? Cousins. Lauren Bacall and Shimon Peres? Cousins. Lee Remick and the Smothers Brothers? Cousins. Glenn Close is second cousin to Brooke Shields.
Sissy Spacek and Rip Torn? Cousins. Lauren Bacall and Shimon Peres? Cousins. Lee Remick and the Smothers Brothers? Cousins. Glenn Close is second cousin to Brooke Shields.
- 7/24/2009
- by By CINDY ADAMS
- NYPost.com
NEW YORK -- The potent subject matter of this documentary adapted from the best-selling book by Joe Conason and Gene Lyons is unfortunately undercut by its tabloid-style execution. Detailing the ambitious campaign by both reputable and dubious elements of the right wing to oppose Bill Clinton, "The Hunting of the President" sacrifices credibility not only by the fact that it was co-directed and co-written by the obviously partisan Harry Thomason (along with Nickolas Perry), but also because of its cheesy cinematic style. The film should benefit from the current insatiable appetite for political material, but it will likely be overshadowed by the impending release of Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11."
Beginning with footage of Clinton's impeachment hearings, the film then flashes backward and outlines in considerable detail -- using extensive archival footage and interviews with many of the figures involved -- the many ways in which right-wing elements sought to undercut Clinton's candidacy and his presidency. It is quite a cautionary tale for left wingers, even if it never quite manages to provide a sense of exactly why Clinton and wife Hillary so provoked the outsized animus of their political opponents.
Many of the plot elements play like the sort of comic thrillers involving bumbling protagonists written by Elmore Leonard. Some of the more odious figures are Everett Ham, the leader of an organization (the Alliance for the Rebirth of an Independent America) dedicated to discrediting Clinton; Cliff Jackson, a lawyer who was involved in the Arkansas State Troopers revelations and the release of Clinton's military draft record; and private investigator Larry Case, who sought to exploit the release of the Gennifer Flowers story for financial gain. Also providing testimony are David Brock, a formerly conservative journalist who has since recanted many of his assertions, and Susan McDougal, who movingly describes her experiences while being incarcerated for her refusal to testify in the Whitewater investigation.
While the film provides much fascinating detail, especially in its delineation of the way that even less-than-credible figures can manipulate the media, the sheer volume of information presented may prove confusing for those not already familiar with the facts. Worse, it uses numerous hoary techniques -- including tabloid-television-style editing and ominous background music -- that tend to detract from the seriousness of the issues being addressed.
Morgan Freeman delivers the portentous narration.
The hunting of the president
Regent Releasing
Diceburg Llc.
Credits:
Directors-screenwriters: Harry Thomason, Nickolas Perry
Producer: Douglas Jackson
Executive producer: Mark S. Weiner
Co-producers: Joe Conason, Amy Greenspun, Keith Sky
Editor: Nickolas Perry
Director of photography: Jim Roberson
Music: Bruce Miller
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 89 minutes...
Beginning with footage of Clinton's impeachment hearings, the film then flashes backward and outlines in considerable detail -- using extensive archival footage and interviews with many of the figures involved -- the many ways in which right-wing elements sought to undercut Clinton's candidacy and his presidency. It is quite a cautionary tale for left wingers, even if it never quite manages to provide a sense of exactly why Clinton and wife Hillary so provoked the outsized animus of their political opponents.
Many of the plot elements play like the sort of comic thrillers involving bumbling protagonists written by Elmore Leonard. Some of the more odious figures are Everett Ham, the leader of an organization (the Alliance for the Rebirth of an Independent America) dedicated to discrediting Clinton; Cliff Jackson, a lawyer who was involved in the Arkansas State Troopers revelations and the release of Clinton's military draft record; and private investigator Larry Case, who sought to exploit the release of the Gennifer Flowers story for financial gain. Also providing testimony are David Brock, a formerly conservative journalist who has since recanted many of his assertions, and Susan McDougal, who movingly describes her experiences while being incarcerated for her refusal to testify in the Whitewater investigation.
While the film provides much fascinating detail, especially in its delineation of the way that even less-than-credible figures can manipulate the media, the sheer volume of information presented may prove confusing for those not already familiar with the facts. Worse, it uses numerous hoary techniques -- including tabloid-television-style editing and ominous background music -- that tend to detract from the seriousness of the issues being addressed.
Morgan Freeman delivers the portentous narration.
The hunting of the president
Regent Releasing
Diceburg Llc.
Credits:
Directors-screenwriters: Harry Thomason, Nickolas Perry
Producer: Douglas Jackson
Executive producer: Mark S. Weiner
Co-producers: Joe Conason, Amy Greenspun, Keith Sky
Editor: Nickolas Perry
Director of photography: Jim Roberson
Music: Bruce Miller
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 89 minutes...
NEW YORK -- The potent subject matter of this documentary adapted from the best-selling book by Joe Conason and Gene Lyons is unfortunately undercut by its tabloid-style execution. Detailing the ambitious campaign by both reputable and dubious elements of the right wing to oppose Bill Clinton, "The Hunting of the President" sacrifices credibility not only by the fact that it was co-directed and co-written by the obviously partisan Harry Thomason (along with Nickolas Perry), but also because of its cheesy cinematic style. The film should benefit from the current insatiable appetite for political material, but it will likely be overshadowed by the impending release of Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11."
Beginning with footage of Clinton's impeachment hearings, the film then flashes backward and outlines in considerable detail -- using extensive archival footage and interviews with many of the figures involved -- the many ways in which right-wing elements sought to undercut Clinton's candidacy and his presidency. It is quite a cautionary tale for left wingers, even if it never quite manages to provide a sense of exactly why Clinton and wife Hillary so provoked the outsized animus of their political opponents.
Many of the plot elements play like the sort of comic thrillers involving bumbling protagonists written by Elmore Leonard. Some of the more odious figures are Everett Ham, the leader of an organization (the Alliance for the Rebirth of an Independent America) dedicated to discrediting Clinton; Cliff Jackson, a lawyer who was involved in the Arkansas State Troopers revelations and the release of Clinton's military draft record; and private investigator Larry Case, who sought to exploit the release of the Gennifer Flowers story for financial gain. Also providing testimony are David Brock, a formerly conservative journalist who has since recanted many of his assertions, and Susan McDougal, who movingly describes her experiences while being incarcerated for her refusal to testify in the Whitewater investigation.
While the film provides much fascinating detail, especially in its delineation of the way that even less-than-credible figures can manipulate the media, the sheer volume of information presented may prove confusing for those not already familiar with the facts. Worse, it uses numerous hoary techniques -- including tabloid-television-style editing and ominous background music -- that tend to detract from the seriousness of the issues being addressed.
Morgan Freeman delivers the portentous narration.
The hunting of the president
Regent Releasing
Diceburg Llc.
Credits:
Directors-screenwriters: Harry Thomason, Nickolas Perry
Producer: Douglas Jackson
Executive producer: Mark S. Weiner
Co-producers: Joe Conason, Amy Greenspun, Keith Sky
Editor: Nickolas Perry
Director of photography: Jim Roberson
Music: Bruce Miller
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 89 minutes...
Beginning with footage of Clinton's impeachment hearings, the film then flashes backward and outlines in considerable detail -- using extensive archival footage and interviews with many of the figures involved -- the many ways in which right-wing elements sought to undercut Clinton's candidacy and his presidency. It is quite a cautionary tale for left wingers, even if it never quite manages to provide a sense of exactly why Clinton and wife Hillary so provoked the outsized animus of their political opponents.
Many of the plot elements play like the sort of comic thrillers involving bumbling protagonists written by Elmore Leonard. Some of the more odious figures are Everett Ham, the leader of an organization (the Alliance for the Rebirth of an Independent America) dedicated to discrediting Clinton; Cliff Jackson, a lawyer who was involved in the Arkansas State Troopers revelations and the release of Clinton's military draft record; and private investigator Larry Case, who sought to exploit the release of the Gennifer Flowers story for financial gain. Also providing testimony are David Brock, a formerly conservative journalist who has since recanted many of his assertions, and Susan McDougal, who movingly describes her experiences while being incarcerated for her refusal to testify in the Whitewater investigation.
While the film provides much fascinating detail, especially in its delineation of the way that even less-than-credible figures can manipulate the media, the sheer volume of information presented may prove confusing for those not already familiar with the facts. Worse, it uses numerous hoary techniques -- including tabloid-television-style editing and ominous background music -- that tend to detract from the seriousness of the issues being addressed.
Morgan Freeman delivers the portentous narration.
The hunting of the president
Regent Releasing
Diceburg Llc.
Credits:
Directors-screenwriters: Harry Thomason, Nickolas Perry
Producer: Douglas Jackson
Executive producer: Mark S. Weiner
Co-producers: Joe Conason, Amy Greenspun, Keith Sky
Editor: Nickolas Perry
Director of photography: Jim Roberson
Music: Bruce Miller
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 89 minutes...
- 6/18/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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