Get Me Roger Stone

Get Me Roger Stone is an intriguing American film documentary feature that was released in the year 2017. The film features legendary political strategist, lobbyist, and author Roger Stone, along with newly-elected U.S. President Donald Trump and investigative journalist Jane Mayer. Unfolding in a series of interviews, archival footage, and eclectic narratives, the movie gives us an in-depth look at the controversial path of American politics and the integral role Roger Stone played over a span of half a century.

The documentary takes a deep dive into the intricate webs spun in the political circles of the United States, with special focus on the lens of Roger Stone – a figure well known for his involvement in some of most spectacular high-stakes dramas that have shaped American politics over the decades. The movie excellently demonstrates how Stone, through his shrewd political tactics, instinctive approach and mastery over public perception, directly contributed to the ascension of the unconventional and controversial figure, Donald Trump.

The film opens with Stone, a notorious figure who revels in his status as a renowned provocateur, delineating his ideology and political approach. His intimate ties with Donald Trump, established over a period of 30 years, become palpable as the film progresses. It is through Stone's youthful interactions with Richard Nixon to his role in the downfall of New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, and ultimately his pivotal influence on the Trump campaign, that the documentary reveals the cunning and manipulative tactics he deployed.

While the documentary is centred around Roger Stone, it also engages other key players in the political world who have had encounters and experiences with him. In particular, Donald Trump, rather than just being a topic of discussion, is also present as an interviewee in the film – a rare occurrence in any documentary feature that significantly adds to the authenticity of the film. Jane Mayer, an acclaimed author and the Chief Washington Correspondent for The New Yorker, offers a more distanced, journalistic perspective on Stone's political manoeuvres.

Get Me Roger Stone meticulously dissects Stone’s rise to prominence by marking all the major turning points in his career. The film draws upon a wealth of archival footage, showcasing the evolution of Stone's career through the years with his various political affiliations, lobbying enterprises, and scandalous outings. What sets this documentary apart is how substantially it showcases the magnitude of Stone's influence, from his pioneering use of negative campaign advertisements to his unabashed propagation of 'fake news'.

Notably, the film isn't a celebration of Roger Stone or any of his controversial tactics. Instead, it presents a balanced perspective that critically questions, frequently through Stone himself, the ethics and morality that underlie his professed approach to politics. In this sense, the documentary presents an almost chilling illustration of how political games are played behind the screens, and the far-reaching impacts they can have on a nation's ideological landscape.

What further strengthens the narrative of the film are the interactions with some close associates and successors of Roger Stone, including Paul Manafort and Jeffrey Toobin. Their viewpoints breathe life into the story, presenting a more rounded image of the man behind the reputation.

In essence, Get Me Roger Stone is a thought-provoking and provocative exploration of the grimy underbelly of American politics. It successfully depicts the extraordinary influence of a single man's tactics that, whether admired or abhorred, undeniably shaped the modern political battleground. It's an enticing watch for those intrigued by political strategies and power plays, leaving viewers with a raised consciousness about the political realities that shape our world.