A documentary that details the creation of Julian Assange's controversial website, which facilitated the largest security breach in U.S. history.
Both as a study of some seriously impactful decisions, and a sensitive investigation what might have driven the individuals involved to make them, this is provocative, illuminating stuff.
Propulsive, compulsive.
The elusive Assange is the star attraction, of course, but ultimately it is the story of Bradley Manning – army misfit turned sacrificial lamb – that lingers in the memory after watching, and gives this absorbing documentary an unexpected emotional punch.
Alex Gibney's film about WikiLeaks, Julian Assange and Bradley Manning is a thorough and decently intentioned work, though it accepts a little too glibly the more-in-sorrow-than-in-anger line against Assange: that he is a fascinating radical who simply became a paranoid authoritarian.
His film has made a good case for the WikiLeaks ethic, if not for its tainted figurehead.
Alex Gibney adds to his forensic examinations of Enron and Abu Ghraib with another fine documentary. Undeterred by grey areas or the hostility of his subject, the filmmaker tackles one of the stories of our times with dynamism and smarts.
Documentary maker Alex Gibney provides another typically clear-eyed account here of a major story.
The film creates an astonishing picture of the complex new world of internet communications, intelligence and the ever-expanding web of post-cold war secrecy.
It’s proof that spin works: Assange and Manning are in the spotlight while cover ups and classifications continue. And all in the name of the people.
WikiLeaks: Stealing secrets proves sobering viewing
General release. Check local listings for show times.