Scandalous: The Untold Story Of The National Enquirer

Scandalous: The Untold Story of The National Enquirer is a captivating and riveting documentary film that made its debut in 2019. The narrative explores the life cycle of the infamous tabloid that has irrevocably shaped public perception by giving us an eye into some of the hidden mechanisms of American media. The film is a stimulating and broad look at the rise and fall of this prolific publication.

The film itself includes interviews and commentary from a range of individuals, each offering their unique perspective on the history and impact of The National Enquirer. The individuals include veterans of journalism like Ken Auletta, known for his work with The New Yorker; Malcolm Balfour, a former correspondent for the tabloid; and Carl Bernstein, the Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist well-known for his work in exposing the Watergate scandal. Their expertise and firsthand experiences provide a fascinating exploration of the tabloid and its dealings.

Scandalous dives headfirst into the turbulent history of The National Enquirer, focusing on its evolution from its inception in 1926 as a broadsheet named New York Evening Enquirer, to its later transformation into a notorious tabloid famed for its salacious celebrity news, sensational headlines, and questionable journalistic integrity.

The documentary explores how Generoso Pope Jr., the heir of a renowned media owner who bought the paper, was pivotal in turning it into a sensational tabloid. He adopted a unique formula of sex, crime and celebrity gossip to capture audience attention. The film also looks into how he was also key in moving the publication from a New York-centric paper to a national one, fundamentally changing its influence and reach.

In a thoughtful and insightful way, the film tackles the ethical issues that surround tabloid journalism, particularly focusing on the publication's impact on ethics, culture, and politics. During its examination of these topics, Scandalous does not shy away from addressing the controversial methods The National Enquirer used to obtain its information, including paying for tips and stories. These practices, while questionable, helped thrust the publication into the national spotlight and contributed to its immense popularity and growth.

As it explores the dark corners of the publication's morality, the film doesn’t hold back in revealing that the Enquirer’s journalists often operated at the fringes of legal and ethical boundaries. It delves into the numerous legal and ethical implications, from its use of controversial covert tactics to acquire news to its alleged political beholden. This makes for an intriguing look into a tabloid that at its height, had more readership than any other in America.

Scandalous also focuses on the role the paper played in politics and cultural evolution. Shedding light on numerous political scandals and controversies that shaped and defined the United States in various ways, the tabloid's role within these critical moments is thoroughly explored and assessed. From providing under-the-radar political coverage that mainstream media circumspectly avoided, the Enquirer undoubtedly played an instrumental role in the media landscape.

Scandalous is a must-watch for anyone with curiosity in American media, political history, or just in search of an engaging documentary. It deftly captures the spirit of The National Enquirer, bringing to life the publication's mark on history and its continued influence on modern media.

The film effectively humanizes the tabloid, shifting it from a faceless media giant to a complex institution with its own story of highs, lows, victories, and mistakes. It poses important questions about journalistic ethics, media responsibility, and the role of such publications in shaping public perception and opinion.

Scandalous: The Untold Story of The National Enquirer is a comprehensive, stimulating, shocking and eye-opening watch that offers a unique look at this influential entity. It highlights the struggles within journalistic integrity and offers an in-depth exploration of what happens when the line between news and sensationalism blurs. As viewers, we are shown the compelling history, the ethical wars, and the long-term impact of one of America's most notorious publications. This film is a remarkable journey into the world of tabloid journalism and the role it plays in shaping society.