A Review by Phil Calabro
The Hunting of the President, 2004, 20th Century Fox/Regent, Dir. Nickolas Perry/Harry Thomason - Narrated by Morgan Freeman, with archive footage of Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton
Many Americans have to admit that the Clinton sex scandal was one of the most damaging scandals in American government since the Watergate crisis in the 70s - it was a truth-tearing, "rightwing conspiracy" to destroy the career and life of president Bill Clinton. But the destruction began practically ten years before, before Monica and Whitewater - down to his job as Arkansas governor.
The documentary narrated by Freeman, details the story of how fellow Arkansas congressmen were envious of Clinton's power and presidency, and decided to use extortion and lies to try and break down his power. Examples of this include Jim McDougal (prime suspect in Whitewater scandal), who allied with the rightwing-formed Independent Council headed by Ken Starr, to pull as much dirt upon him as possible. Monica Lewinsky, Gennifer Flowers, the Paula Jones Case - all of this is discussed.
This is a great documentary to watch - unlike many documentaries recently, it does not have a pompous tone it, and keeps me interested. It tends to be quite biased at times, but that doesn't bother me the slightest bit because it is handled with this non-arrogant tone. It states its facts concisely, keeps me interested, and enlightens me on many things I had no idea about the Clinton scandal.
The interviews from Susan McDougal, Paul Begala, and David Brock are all quite riveting - their stories are too deadly toned to ignore, and the emotion they evoke is quite astounding. It feels more like a news story on 60 Minutes rather than a documentary, because of the directors' kindness to work around the interviewed and the footage. It seems to me not to become a flaming attack on the rightwing, but an honest in-depth look into the jealousy thrown upon Clinton. It's a great documentary to watch, and I suggest it to anyone with an open mind.
3/4 stars
