The Killing$ of Tony Blair

The movie, The Killing$ of Tony Blair, is a provocative 2016 British documentary that throws light on one of the most controversial political figures of our time, the former Prime Minister of the UK, Tony Blair. Notably, the documentary features Tony Blair himself, and is bolstered by additional appearances from popular British comedian and writer, Stephen Fry, and former Member of Parliament, George Galloway.

Helmed by the antagonistic Galloway, the film dives into the imputed crimes of Blair's political and personal life, dissecting his time in and out of public office. The Killing$ of Tony Blair is built around three interlocking narrative strands - the 'Political Killing' of the Labour Party as we knew it, the 'Physical Killing' unleashed by the Iraq War under Blair's reign as Prime Minister, and the 'Financial Killing' that Blair made out of his subsequent career as a speaker and consultant.

The movie commences by exploring Blair's journey to becoming the leader of the Labour party, dethroning the neo-conservative Tories and hailing what was seen as a new political dawn in Britain. His 'third-way' politics, blending aspects of left-wing ideology with economic liberalism, seemed a beacon of hope. But Galloway asserts that Blair’s neo-liberal economic orientation and commitment to New Labour led to the alleged political murder of the party's traditional values.

Transitioning from the domestic to the international, the documentary delves into the Iraq War, termed the 'Physical Killing'. Here, Blair’s decision to back the U.S led invasion is put under the microscope. Highlighting the human cost of war, the film critically examines the political rationale and the aftermath of this decision, questioning Blair's assertions of Iraq retaining 'weapons of mass destruction'. This part of the film is deeply critical, laying out a powerful critique of Blair’s foreign policy and its potentially catastrophic impacts.

Finally, the film traces Blair's lucrative career post Downing Street, the 'Financial Killing'. This section scrutinizes the reported millions he earned through public speaking engagements, consultant positions, and business ventures after leaving office. The film conjectures him as prioritizing personal wealth over public welfare, an accusation made even more stark in contrast to his humble beginnings and the traditional labour roots of the party he once represented.

Throughout, the film marries interviews, archival footage, and narration to make its case. Tony Blair himself features prominently, through archival footage and recordings that piece together a timeline of his life and career, allowing the viewer to draw their own conclusions in light of the presented evidence and arguments. On the other hand, Galloway, acting both as one of the film’s producer and its narrator, relays an unforgiving view of Blair, lending the narrative a highly personal tone. The participation of familiar faces like Stephen Fry enhances the allure and credibility of the documentary, thanks to the star's popularity and reputation as a socially conscious entertainer.

The Killing$ of Tony Blair undoubtedly courts controversy in its portraiture of the ex-Prime Minister. It is an unflinching critique of Blair’s political legacy, amassing damning evidence and presenting a counter-narrative to the official record. A far cry from a vanilla political biography, the film bills itself as a cinematic indictment, challenging viewers to reflect upon the costs of political decisions, the responsibilities of leadership, and the role of personal gain in public office.

While partisan at times due to Galloway's long-term disagreement with Blair's politics, this robust documentary provides important food for thought, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in contemporary British politics, the ethics of war, or the afterlife of politicians. Regardless of whether viewers find themselves aligning with Galloway’s personal opinion, the documentary serves to illuminate a divisive period in British history, encouraging audiences to question and seek more from their leadership. In a larger sense, The Killing$ of Tony Blair forces us to redefine accountability in politics, inquiring about how far our leaders can tread before they are held answerable. The film is as much a prosecution of Blair as it is an invitation to examine our own complicity and our role as the governed in a democratic society.