Divide And Conquer: The Story Of Roger Ailes

Divide And Conquer: The Story Of Roger Ailes is a powerful documentary film directed by Alexis Bloom, which aired on the big screens in 2018. This movie investigates the life and career of the controversial Fox News founder and chairman, Roger Ailes, who proved to be not only a media mogul but also a major influence on more than 50 years of American political history.

Tony Waag, Babette Bombshell, Catherine Coran, and many other prominent artists invigorate this documentary with their luminous performances. Running for nearly 107 minutes, this movie presents a comprehensive commentary on the rise and fall of a significant political figure.

The film begins by highlighting Roger Ailes' humble beginnings in Warren, Ohio, tracing his journey as a television producer in Philadelphia in the 1960s, to becoming the mastermind behind one of America's leading news networks. This transformative journey and his remarkable contribution to media and politics grab viewers' interest from the outset.

Divide And Conquer methodically retraces Ailes' initiation into politics when he successfully orchestrated Richard Nixon's ground-breaking media campaign in 1968. The documentary unveils the trajectory of Ailes' career, overlaying the peaks and valleys of his professional life, his unrivaled capacity for innovation, and his extraordinary ability to connect with America's citizenry on an almost visceral level.

The documentary stands out in its presentation of Roger Ailes as more than just a media magnate. It explores Ailes in his complexity, showing him as both a brilliant innovator, whose understanding of the media landscape was light years ahead of many of his contemporaries, and also a man whose relentless demand for loyalty created a toxic culture at Fox News that ultimately led to his downfall.

Interviews with former Fox News employees and media professionals provide an insider’s view of Ailes' management style. These interviews reveal a paradoxical figure: a media virtuoso whatever the cost, capable of visionary leaps, yet also a ruthless executive whose own paranoia undermined his success. This critical perspective instills a sense of realism and accountability throughout the narrative.

Moreover, the film smartly intersperses between personal and professional incidents to maintain a balanced narrative. It presents a comprehensive view of Ailes' vibrant personal life as well as his tumultuous professional career.

One of the standout features of Divide And Conquer is its treatment of the sexual harassment allegations brought against Ailes, which ultimately led to his ousting from Fox News. The film handles this subject matter with sensitivity, focusing on the experiences of the women who underwent the ordeal. This consideration brings to light the existing power dynamics in workplaces and the potential misuse of such power.

While the film contains several interviewees who express their respect and admiration for Ailes, the documentary does not shy away from showcasing Ailes' downfall in detail. The title "Divide and Conquer" is metaphorical to Ailes' approach towards his career, his political strategies, and sadly, dealing with his workforce.

Bloom’s masterful command over narrative storytelling is evident in the movie's gripping pacing, which keeps viewers absorbed until the final credits roll. The film does not merely recount the story of a man; it dissects the intricate and often opaque interconnections between media, power, politics, and public opinion.

Illustrative and detailed, this movie critically evaluates the roller-coaster ride that was Roger Ailes’ life and career, making it an essential watch for those interested in political strategy, media studies, or those who crave an intriguing human-interest story.

The documentary, Divide And Conquer: The Story Of Roger Ailes, created visible ripples in media and public circles for its daring courage to hold a mirror towards the grim realities of media and power corridors. Well-researched and vividly depicting the life of an impactful personality, this documentary will leave viewers with much food for thought.