Best of Enemies

Name: Best of Enemies
Released: 2015-07-31T00:00:00-04:00

2015 Documentary, History · 1h 27m

A documentary about the legendary series of nationally televised debates in 1968 between two great public intellectuals, the liberal Gore Vidal and the conservative William F. Buckley Jr. Intended as commentary on the issues of their day, these vitriolic and explosive encounters came to define the modern era of public discourse in the media, marking the big bang moment of our contemporary media landscape when spectacle trumped content and argument replaced substance. Best of Enemies delves into the entangled biographies of these two great thinkers, and luxuriates in the language and the theater of their debates, begging the question, "What has television done to the way we discuss politics in our democracy today?"

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About Best of Enemies

Best of Enemies chronicles the explosive 1968 televised debates between Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley Jr., two prominent public intellectuals. More than just a historical record, the documentary exposes how these encounters marked a turning point in media, prioritizing spectacle over substance. By exploring Vidal and Buckley's intertwined lives and the linguistic artistry of their arguments, the film prompts reflection on the state of political discourse in contemporary democracy and the impact of television.

Movie Trailer

Best of Enemies Trailer

Cast and Characters

Robert Gordon directs this insightful documentary. The film prominently features Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley Jr. as themselves, capturing their fiery debates. Archival footage also includes appearances by Dick Cavett as a talk show host, and commentary is provided by Christopher Hitchens, offering further analysis. Kelsey Grammer and John Lithgow lend their voices, providing compelling narrations that enhance the viewing experience.

What people like about Best of Enemies

Audiences and critics alike have lauded Best of Enemies for its compelling narrative, insightful analysis, and the sheer brilliance of the featured debates. Many praised the film's ability to make historical events feel remarkably relevant to today's political climate. Viewers particularly appreciated the film's balanced portrayal of both Vidal and Buckley, showcasing their intellectual prowess while also exposing their personal flaws. The film's crisp editing and use of archival footage were also highlighted as strengths, creating a truly immersive and thought-provoking experience.

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Watch Trailer

Movie Score

72%

Released

July 31, 2015

Director

Robert Gordon

Cast

Gore Vidal, William F. Buckley Jr., Kelsey Grammer, John Lithgow, Dick Cavett, Christopher Hitchens

Genre

Documentary, History

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