Man in the Arena

Man in the Arena is a compelling 2020 documentary about the enigmatic, controversial and influential figure, Roger Ailes. Ailes was the founder of Fox News, a network that ended up reshaping the landscape of American media and politics. While the movie acknowledges the dark aspects of Ailes' past involving sexual harassment allegations, it primarily focuses on the breadth of his groundbreaking career and complex personality through interviews with key figures who shaped and experienced Fox News' evolution.

This feature-length documentary offers a deep dive into the high-stakes world of politics and media, documenting the life and career of a man who, for better or worse, dramatically influenced American culture. Under the skilled direction of Michael Barnes, the film explores Ailes' uncanny ability to tap into the country's fears and fantasies, which helped his network to reshape the landscape of cable news.

The film opens with a brief overview of Ailes' early life, providing glimpses into his upbringing in the factory town of Warren, Ohio. We learn about his ambition, his early career in television including roles like Executive Producer for 'The Mike Douglas Show', and his eventual realization that news and politics are not separate entities but intertwined, helping shape the zeitgeist of a nation.

One of the many highlights of Man in the Arena is the collection of high-profile interviews, including conversations with prominent figures such as former President George Bush, Fox Business Network anchor Maria Bartiromo, and many who worked close to Ailes during his tenure at Fox. These interviews offer an unvarnished look into Ailes' life through the eyes of those who knew him—his allies, rivals, friends, and enemies. They explore Ailes’ controversial style, his business acumen, and his unapologetic approach to news reporting.

The film is more than a biographical sketch, however. It’s a deep dive into the media industry, the cut-throat competition, the manipulation of perceptions, and the colossal change that Ailes brings about. It shines a light on the complex, shifting landscape of American politics and media, providing a nuanced perspective on past and current events. Woven together are intriguing sub-themes such as the role of media in swaying public sentiment, business politics behind the screens, and the blurred lines between news and entertainment.

While the film certainly delves into the controversies surrounding Ailes, including the sexual harassment allegations that led to his resignation from Fox, it neither pardons him nor demonizes him. It leaves the audience to draw their individual conclusions. Instead, it seeks to give a comprehensive picture of a man who was determined to create and dominate a niche in the media industry that nobody else had thought of, a man who truly believed he was the "man in the arena."

Man in the Arena takes a no-holds-barred approach towards its subject matter. It presents a raw, unfiltered depiction of Roger Ailes' legacy, as well as a pressing examination of the current state of a deeply divided America. This results in a complex biography of an individual whose influence still echoes throughout the world of television news and politics. Though figures like George Bush and Maria Bartiromo provide their insights on Ailes, understanding the man is a challenge that's left to the audience. The film is not a definitive verdict on Ailes' tenure but rather a springboard for further discussion and understanding of an era marked by his distinctive influence.

Man in the Arena is a must-watch for those who are interested in the intersection of media, politics, and power. Michael Barnes has done an excellent job in creating a riveting narrative, woven tightly with sharp interviews, archive footage, and an efficient pacing that keeps viewers engaged, regardless of their opinion on one of the most influential figures in American media. The film gives viewers a timely and thought-provoking view of the turbulent and transformative era of television and politics that Ailes helped define.