I had no idea what to expect with this movie, the latest
from director Errol Morris. Well regarded as one of the best documentary film
makers ever, Morris began with films like GATES OF HEAVEN, VERNON FLORIDA and
THE THIN BLUE
LINE. Of the movies he's done in the past I
was fortunate enough to see, Morris has always seemed to offer an unbiased
presentation of the subject matter he chooses. With THE UNKNOWN KNOWN I think
he continues that practice, even though in the extras he seems to have had an
opinion of the subject on hand here.
That subject is ex-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. The
movie consists mainly of interviews with Rumsfeld as he discusses his life and
times in the world of politics. While it could have focused solely on his time
serving under George W. Bush, the film goes far back to his early years in D.C.
instead. We see Rumsfeld working for various other politicians, all of which
would groom him for the role of Secretary of Defense in his later years.
The title of the film comes from a comment made during a
press briefing while the war in Iraq was going on. Rumsfeld said at that time
"There are known knowns; there are things we know that we know. There are
known unknowns; that is to say, there are things that we now know we don't
know. But there are also unknown unknowns - there are things we do not know we
don't know." While it might be confusing to some if you actually read what
he said it makes sense. It was a time when we had conflicting information at
best, out and out lies at worst and a world where terrorist considered flying
planes into targets on American soil as something worth doing.
What is fascinating to watch here is the way Rumsfeld
speaks, how he firmly holds on to the beliefs he had at the time and how he can
defend any and all actions that were taken then. He is an eloquent speaker and
it's amazing that he wasn't allowed to do so more throughout his career. One
can imagine that if he were to appear at a lecture nearby you would want to be
there to hear what he had to say based on this film.
Even more interesting than the film itself is the reaction
that people have to the film. When you read reviews you find that those who
lean left feel that he traps himself in his beliefs and statements and should
be condemned for what he says. Those that lean right will see Rumsfeld here
saying the things that need to be said, taking a stand and showing that the
decisions that were made were the correct ones. My guess is that depending on
which direction you follow you will leave with your mind unchained after
watching this film. That's actually sad because love him or hate him, there is
much to learn from this man.
My suggestion to all who choose to watch this film is to go
and read numerous reviews before doing so. Don't worry about spoilers because
this man's life has been on display from the first moment he walked onto the
streets of Washington. Read the reviews and try to glean from them the bent of
the person writing. Try to find views from both sides. Then watch this movie
and see if you agree or disagree. This isn't how I did it, I went in with no
real idea what to expect.
For myself I honestly tend to lean right with a more
libertarian bent. I found that many of the things Rumsfeld presented here
seemed intelligent and well thought out. I found his charm to be genuine while
reviews have stated that he is a master of covering his innermost demons, never
allowing them to be seen. Rarely do those on the left consider the fact that he
might actually be a nice guy and not the monster they want to portray him as.
As I said, my guess is most won't walk away with their
conception of Rumsfeld changed after viewing this film. Any who push the start
button after putting this disc in and attempt to watch it with an open mind
might though. Love him or hate him, Rumsfeld is a historical figure that will
long be remembered. Myself I'm glad we had someone willing to make the hard
decisions at the time he was in Washington. Disagree if you like, but at least
attempt to watch with an objective mind when viewing this film.
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