‘Best of Enemies’ Review

photo for Best of Enemies In 1968 liberal pundit and novelist Gore Vidal and conservative commentator/publisher William F. Buckley Jr. were at the peak of their powers. Both were outspoken, egotistical and strongly opinionated — and the likelihood that the two would meet on the same stage was next to impossible. Until last-place ABC News came along. The 1968 presidential campaign was a minefield, pitting Richard M. Nixon and his Vietnam war hawks against Hubert Humphrey and his peaceniks (who can forget the horror of the Chicago Convention and riots). Looking to boost their ratings, ABC hired the two towering public intellectuals to debate each other during the Democratic and Republican national conventions — setting off explosions that have ricocheted 50 years to the present. News commentary was changed forever: the even-keeled discussions of the past gave way to explosive exchanges that devolved into vitriolic name-calling as Vidal and Buckley — who believed each other’s political ideologies were dangerous for America — pummeled out policy and personal insults. Ratings for ABC News skyrocketed, setting the stage for future political commentary culminating in the 21st century’s ascension of the hyperbole of Fox News and MSNBC. This riveting documentary takes a look at the rivalry between the two, focusing in on the unscripted debates. A must for students of politics and the media. Vitals: Director: Robert Gordon. Stars: William F. Buckley Jr. and Gore Vidal. 2015, CC, MPAA rating: R, 82 min., Documentary, Box office gross: $.876 million, Magnolia Home Entertainment. Extras: Interview with directors Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon, additional interviews, trailer. 3 stars

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

OnVideo News via Email

Get our free new-release newsletter every week in your inbox:

Subscribe to our weekly new-release newsletter. Join here.

Want more? Keep up-to-date with OnVideo's Breaking News, sent straight into your email box. Subscribe here.

Subscribe to OnVideo's Email News