Best of Enemies

Best of Enemies, a 2015 American documentary film directed by Robert Gordon and Morgan Neville, focuses on the enthralling series of televised debates in 1968 between two main ideological rivals: liberal intellectual, Gore Vidal, and conservative commentator, William F. Buckley Jr. The film's title aptly encapsulates the powerful tension between these two formidable figures who helped change the future of television news.

Best of Enemies not only offers an exploration of two towering intellectuals of the 20th century but also provides a look back on an era in which well-articulated and fiercely debated ideas, rather than sensationalism and sound bites, formed the crux of televised news. The movie draws on archival footage, along with commentaries from contemporary observers, journalists, and cultural critics, to paint an engaging picture of its time and subjects.

In the tumultuous year of 1968, amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War, with social and political unrest at fever pitch, ABC News, a network struggling in ratings was in search of an idea that would boost its viewership during the political conventions. ABC's concept was simple: pit Buckley and Vidal against each other in a series of live, unscripted debates. This was at a time when live television had no delay, no buffer, and no room for errors, and where every word and gesture could have a profound impact on the American audience.

The documentary brings viewers back to the days of the 1968 Democratic and Republican national conventions, using a substantial treasure trove of footage to underscore how Vidal and Buckley utilized the medium of television in their ideological warfare. The heated interactions between Buckley and Vidal encapsulated the chasm in American thought, with ideological divides that continue to shape the national discourse even today.

Gore Vidal, a prolific novelist, playwright, and social commentator, was a progressive force in American intellectual circles, whose maverick views and sometimes scathing critiques honed a certain notoriety in the public eye. On the other side, William F. Buckley Jr., a leading public intellectual of conservative thought, was known for his erudition, quick wit, and an unapologetic insistence on conservative ideals. What binds these two characters in the film is not so much their political polarity but rather their mutual hatred, borne out of personal loathing and ideological detestation.

The comprehensive and incisive narrative delves into various levels of both men's personas, laying out the intricate map of their influential lives, their personal idiosyncrasies, their strengths and weaknesses, and their visceral distaste for each other. Between the political and personal jabs, these contentious debates often escalated into sheer verbal warfare, peppered with scathing insults that highlighted the volatility of their relationship - and of the times that bred them.

Best of Enemies is about much more than an entertaining verbal sparring match. It is equally about the transformation of television journalism and the ripple effects these debates had on the industry. By juxtaposing the footage of the debates with colorful commentary from individuals like Dick Cavett, a contemporary talk show host, the film becomes a rich examination of a transformative period in television and its correlation to America's cultural and social evolution.

This documentary powerfully captures its subjects' colorful personas, their sharp intellects, and their immense influence, rendering them as captivating today as they were during their televised debates. It offers a unique perspective not just of these two men and their animosity, but of the era that birthed them and how their enmity shaped the landscape of future political discourse.

Best of Enemies is not just enlightening but entertaining too. The near-theatrical antics of its subjects, as well as the film's use of animation and an engaging musical score, make for a viewing experience that simultaneously appeals to audiences interested in media, history, and captivating personal narratives.

In a time when political discourse is growing ever more divisive and media more sensational, Best of Enemies stands out as a reminder of the power of sharp ideas and articulate debate, offering viewers a riveting exploration of two opposing great minds of the last century. It provides a compelling view not just of Vidal and Buckley as individuals, but their instrumental role in the development of modern political thought and discourse. This is why even in the haze of nostalgia, the film feels strikingly fresh and relevant, serving as a necessary dive into the past to understand the present.