Alex Gibney's documentary details the creation of Julian Assange's controversial website and the parallel story of Bradley Manning's part in "the largest security breach in U.S. history." As the story lays out the internet contribution and ideas of Assange, it becomes easy to agree with his attempt to create a vehicle to make the internet a transparent means of social change. I was reminded of many of the ideas discussed in The Gatekeepers. Both films focus on footage of civilians being killed in war--shocking and disturbing images. Assange offers many interviews explaining his viewpoint.
The more hidden character is Bradley Manning, presented as a deeply disturbed loner who buys into Assange's politics, and then, if I interpreted Gibney correctly, was easily manipulated by Assange into publishing the 1000s of documents he had downloaded while on duty in Afghanistan. We only know Manning from his emails, still pictures, and interviews of people who worked with him.
As the film progresses, I found Assange's ego made it difficult to feel any sympathy for him. Perhaps because we see Manning only collaterally, I found I did sympathize with him. The documentary is well worth seeing.
We Steal Secrets: The Story of Wikileaks (2013) ****
The more hidden character is Bradley Manning, presented as a deeply disturbed loner who buys into Assange's politics, and then, if I interpreted Gibney correctly, was easily manipulated by Assange into publishing the 1000s of documents he had downloaded while on duty in Afghanistan. We only know Manning from his emails, still pictures, and interviews of people who worked with him.
As the film progresses, I found Assange's ego made it difficult to feel any sympathy for him. Perhaps because we see Manning only collaterally, I found I did sympathize with him. The documentary is well worth seeing.
We Steal Secrets: The Story of Wikileaks (2013) ****
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