Giuliani Time

Rudy Giuliani is widely recognized as an influential political icon, particularly noted for his leadership as Mayor of New York City during the horrific 9/11 attacks. In the American documentary film Giuliani Time, released in 2005, director Kevin Keating puts a distinctive spotlight on this contemporary figure, crafting a well-analyzed retrospective of his political journey.

Rudy Giuliani, Wayne Barrett, and George Bush are the leading figures of this documentary, critical to narrating the deeply entrenched political narrative it strives to present. Shown from the unique lens of Kevin Keating, Giuliani Time picks at the moral and political leanings of Rudy Giuliani before he earned global acclaim for his 9/11 handling.

The title, “Giuliani Time”, relates to the period when Giuliani was the mayor of New York City, serving two terms from 1994 to 2001. Within this period, the documentary deconstructs the layers of Rudy Giuliani's legacy, putting into sharp focus both his achievements and controversies.

As viewers, we are privy to the steps Giuliani took to "clean up" New York City. His successful decrease of crime rates and transformation of the city's public image brings to light his commitment to seeing his vision through. Yet, the film also brings to surface several politically charged criticisms that Rudy Giuliani faced, particularly those surrounding his handling of race relations, free speech, corporate interests, and his authoritative use of the NYPD.

Journalist Wayne Barrett, primarily known for reporting on politics in New York City, plays a substantial part in the documentary. His analytical perspective of Giuliani’s years in office, notably drawing from his book "Rudy: An Investigative Biography of Rudy Giuliani," provides an insightful, balanced critique about this noteworthy politician.

The documentary smartly incorporates the commentary, ensuring its viewers can get a better understanding of the political aura surrounding Kimberly Flynn, Rudy Giuliani's former press secretary, and Andrew Kirtzman, the author of "Rudy Giuliani: Emperor of the City", among others.

Interestingly, the documentary is not limited to Giuliani's mayoral reign. It traces his political journey back to his days as an Associate Attorney General and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. This rewind helps sketch a comprehensive image of Giuliani's career, revealing the philosophy and politics that shaped his strategies and decisions.

The documentary scrutinizes the extent to which Giuliani's policies mirrored the larger political climate of the time, making use of extensively gathered archival footage. Viewers will find President George Bush's presence felt in these segments, linking national politics and the changing winds of the time with Giuliani’s individual stance.

Thanks to the director's well-nuanced exploration of diverse aspects and angles, "Giuliani Time" serves not only as a biographical profile of Rudy Giuliani but adds historical context about the New York City of that era, examining its politics, its race relations, and public perception.

Offering a rich visual narrative, the documentary incorporates clips from media coverage, interviews, and public speeches, tracing his progression from the "Mayor of America" to his presidential run. Experimenting with film technique, the montage sequences are created innovatively, often with juxtapositions to create more thought-provoking cinematics.

A striking feature of the film is its neutral stance on Giuliani's leadership stretching across two terms. Keating does not exclusively lean to laud and celebrate Rudy Giuliani's reign, nor does it entirely denounce his decisions and policies. Instead, through a balanced commentary of views and facts that move across a spectrum of perspectives, the film manages to paint a fair representation of Giuliani's public and political life.

In summary, "Giuliani Time" is much more than a documentary about Rudy Giuliani. It delves into the complex dimension of politics, city leadership, race relations, and the fine line between civil liberties and perceived public safety, emphasizing upon individual that crafted that era - Rudy Giuliani. Whether you are a history buff, a political enthusiast, or simply someone intrigued by influential figures, "Giuliani Time" promises an intriguing, thought-provoking watch.