The Brink

The Brink, released in 2019, is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that throws a spotlight on the life, beliefs, and political activities of the man who was the leading strategic brain behind Donald Trump’s 2016 election campaign – Steve Bannon. It has been directed by Alison Klayman, a filmmaker renowned for her ability to capture intimate and intricate portraits of her subject matter with remarkable restraint.

In the film, Bannon, the former executive chairman of Breitbart News, presents his worldview—often controversial and polarizing—without restraint, providing viewers with an inside look at the machinations of the potent image-driven political force. The Brink manages to paint an unfiltered, authentic landscape of Bannon's attempt to build and fortify his ultra-nationalist political movement.

The documentary begins soon after Bannon’s departure from his White House role, where he was Chief Strategist for the first seven months of Trump's tenure. The film follows Bannon as he takes his hard-edged, populist ideology on the road. He leverages the recognition and controversy he has gathered over the years to cultivate relationships and alliances around the globe. As the film unfolds, we are immersed in Bannon’s world of potentially transformative international political movements.

Accompanying the political whirlwind, The Brink also offers an understated, yet impactful look at Bannon as a private individual. There are several moments in the film where we see Bannon separated from his public persona. It’s these key scenes that humanize him, breaking the binary attitude that has commonly characterized discussions about Bannon – either a villainous antagonist or a heroic provocateur.

Director Alison Klayman's experience in documentary filming is evident in the way she capably navigates the controversial, high-stakes world of politics. She does not choose sides thus allowing the viewers to make their own interpretations based on what they see and hear. The candid, fly-on-the-wall moments that Klayman was able to procure gives the audience a front-row seat to some of Bannon's significant interactions. Furthermore, the film is composed of direct conversations and commentary from Bannon, sweepingly void of re-enactments or dramatic animations making it a raw depiction of events.

Sean Bannon, Steve’s brother, and Breitbart London editor Raheem Kassam also contribute to the intense unfolding of events in the film. Their perspectives provide valuable insights and add another layer of complexity to the film's main character. With their unique points of view, they help to put Steve's influence and motivations into context.

The Brink does not seek to justify, vilify, or probe into Bannon's actions to prove a point. Instead, it takes you on an electrifying tour of Bannon's international political engagements and behind-the-scenes initiatives, attempting to shed light on the increasingly divisive and polarized political climate of our times. Much of the film is spent following Bannon across Europe as he aims to establish a populist counter-movement to the global liberal order.

On a technical note, Klayman's filming style is unobtrusive and measured. The documentary is lean and efficient, eschewing the impulse to add unseen drama or exaggeration to the proceedings. This style enhances the feeling of authenticity throughout and puts an emphasis on the inherent drama in Bannon's actions and the world he inhabits.

Whether or not you agree with Bannon's approach or ideologies, The Brink is an intriguing look at a man who has moved earth and sky to weave his unique brand of politics into the fabric of the international political landscape. The documentary is both a riveting profile of a dynamic political figure and a profound reflection of the world that made him. It’s an enlightening journey that probes the complexities of one of the most influential figures in recent political history. Whether you see Steve Bannon as an agent of change or a symbol of division, The Brink is a must-watch exploration into the changing and charged world of modern politics.