Mr. Conservative: Goldwater on Goldwater

Mr. Conservative: Goldwater on Goldwater is a critically acclaimed film from 2006 that offers an insightful and riveting examination of one of the most influential figures in American politics, Senator Barry Goldwater. The film features never-before-seen footage, rare interviews, and fresh perspectives from some of the most eminent political figures in the US, including Julian Bond, Ben Bradlee, and James Carville.

The movie, directed by CC Goldwater, the revered politician's granddaughter, aims to shed light on the life and achievements of Barry Goldwater. Although Barry Goldwater's political career spanned over thirty years—and he ran for President in 1964—the film doesn’t merely focus on his contributions to politics but also delves into his personal life. Through this intimate portrayal, CC Goldwater provides viewers with a complex, multi-dimensional narrative of her grandfather, exploring both his political achievements and personal world, which encompassed a passion for photography, love for the outdoors, and a rich family life.

Julian Bond, a civil rights activist and politician with a notable history of his own, offers a unique perspective on the role of Goldwater in framing America's contemporary political landscape. Bond's viewpoints on Goldwater are particularly intriguing given their own political differences, offering an absorbing dialectic that forms a compelling through-line in the documentary.

Ben Bradlee, the executive editor at The Washington Post during the momentous Watergate scandals, injects the film with journalistic authority. His reflections bring a nuanced understanding of the immediate reactions to Goldwater's policies and candidacies and the lasting effects his conservative ideologies had on shaping the Republican Party.

James Carville, a celebrated political strategist known for his work on Bill Clinton’s successful presidential campaign in 1992, brings contemporary relevance to the narrative by linking Goldwater’s political philosophy to the current political climate in America. The analysis from Carville gives audiences a sense of the enduring influence of Goldwater's key ideologies and their fundamental impact on today’s Republican party.

Throughout the film, we see Goldwater's life and political career brought to life through personal photographs, historical footage, and first-hand accounts from family, friends, political colleagues, and adversaries. The diverse resources enable the film to explore multiple facets of Goldwater's persona: Goldwater as a politician, Goldwater as an individual, and most importantly, Goldwater as a transformative force within the Republican Party. Chronicling both his public and personal life, Mr. Conservative uses all these perspectives to offer a comprehensive understanding of who Goldwater really was.

The film does an outstanding job of placing Goldwater's story in the broader context of American history, detailing how his political philosophies shaped the conservative movement and altered the course of US politics. It emphasizes his commitment to limited government intervention, individual freedom, and fiscal conservatism, which still resonate within right-wing politics today.

Interestingly, the film does not shy away from examining Goldwater's sometimes controversial stances on civil rights, illustrating the tension between his philosophy of limited government and the need for federal intervention to protect minority rights. Furthermore, Goldwater's opposition to the religious right later in his career is explored, providing a thought-provoking analysis of the complexities of his worldview.

Crucially, Mr. Conservative: Goldwater on Goldwater paints a picture of an individual appreciated -- and often misunderstood -- on both sides of the aisle. Whether you view Goldwater as a guiding maverick or a polarizing figure, the documentary offers a fascinating exploration of his life and impact on American politics.

In conclusion, the movie is a gripping and enlightening exploration of Barry Goldwater's life, ideas, and influence on American politics. It's a crucial watch for anyone interested in understanding the evolution of the conservative movement in the United States. With its thought-provoking commentary and intimate portraits, Mr. Conservative: Goldwater on Goldwater opens the door to deep discussion about the lasting impact of this influential figure in American history.