Hillary

Hillary is a 2016 American documentary biographical film directed by Nanette Burstein, featuring the life of Hillary Rodham Clinton. The film offers a comprehensive look at one of the most influential women in American political history. This intimate, insightful, and multi-layered film includes appearances by significant figures such as the former President Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton herself, Trey Smith, and the 45th president, Donald J. Trump.

Hillary takes viewers on a remarkable journey, tracing Hillary’s life from her beginnings in Illinois, her college years, and her blossoming law career, to becoming the First Lady, U.S. senator, Secretary of State, and, later, a presidential candidate in the 2016 elections. Unlike many political documentaries, this film does not just focus on her public life; it delves into her personal world as well, reflecting on her relationships, her family, and her resilience in the face of personal and political challenges.

The film provides a background to Hillary's early years, emphasizing her law degree from Yale and her transition into public life. It details her marriage to Bill Clinton and the considerable role she played during his presidency. Moreover, it gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at her own political aspirations, her tenure as Secretary of State, and her historic run as a female presidential candidate in the 2016 United States election.

The documentary features interviews with Hillary herself, offering a candid, personal, and refreshing perspective on events that many viewers might think they know but haven't seen through her eyes. Former President Bill Clinton also shares invaluable insights into Hillary's career, their relationship, and the dynamics of their political partnership. Besides, viewers will see interactions with other key figures like Donald J. Trump, which add richness and complexity to the narrative.

One noteworthy feature of this documentary is the density and broadness of its archival coverage. It contains videos and images from more than five decades of Hillary Clinton's life, ranging from her childhood to her recent political pursuits. It provides valuable historical context, showing us how her political ideas were formed and how they evolved over time. It also documents how she came to be given the massive responsibility of serving as Secretary of State, and subsequently, running for the presidency.

This film does not shy away from the controversies and scandal-laden times of Hillary's public life, such as the Benghazi incident during her tenure as Secretary of State, the Lewinsky scandal during Bill Clinton's presidency, and the scrutiny related to her use of email during her presidential campaign. These moments in her history are examined critically, allowing viewers an insight into the challenges Hillary faced and how she countered them.

Viewers can also look forward to the exploration of Hillary's complex relationship with the media, often seen through the lens of gender politics. It gives viewers a front-row seat to the console-defying machine that is Hillary Clinton, offering a powerful, multifaceted vision of her life, career, and legacy. Showcasing transformative moments across five decades, the documentary touches upon themes of feminism, political strife, power dynamics and sheds light on Hillary like never before.

What makes Hillary stand out from other political documentaries is the intimate look it provides into the public and private life of one of the most forward-thinking, ambitious, and controversial figures in modern political history. The film's nuanced depiction of Hillary, the person behind the public figure, and her life's profound and lasting impact on American politics make this documentary a must-watch.

In summary, Hillary is not just the chronicle of one woman's journey, but indeed, a lens into the greater political paradigm of modern America. Regardless of one's political affiliations, this documentary provides a worthwhile examination of Hillary Clinton's resilient journey, capturing its spirit through an insightful mix of old footage, behind-the-scenes access, and invaluable testimonials. In depicting its subject's highs, lows, victories, and challenges, this film constructs a vital portrait of an intense time in American history. It is an excellent choice for those interested in politics, American history, feminism, or the intersection of these topics.