The Kingmaker

The Kingmaker is a gripping documentary film developed in 2019 by the critically acknowledged director, Lauren Greenfield. The film weaves its narrative around the intriguing life of an iconic figure, Imelda Marcos - the former First Lady of the Philippines, a woman noted for her immense wealth, extravagance, and complex interplay with national politics. The documentary stars Imelda Marcos herself, along with Etta Rosales and Ferdinand Marcos, providing first-hand accounts and perspectives into a profoundly tumultuous era in the history of the Philippines.

At the heart of the documentary's allure is the focus on Imelda Marcos, whose larger-than-life persona has been a topic of international intrigue for decades. The Kingmaker effectively captures her gilded lifestyle, audacious fashion style, and the perplexing duality of her nature - both a politically calculative figure and yet seemingly oblivious to the turmoil and suffering many attribute to her family's rule.

Greenfield presents a comprehensive tableau of Marcos' life, integrating personal interviews with Marcos, clips from her splendid and sophisticated public life, combined with hidden, troubled realities of her own political ascension. Her enigmatic character is examined and with it, a penetrating exploration of wealth, power, corruption, politics, and the profound impacts these elements have on societal frameworks.

The Kingmaker further extends its narrative to include Etta Rosales and Ferdinand Marcos. The former is a human rights activist and a victim of the oppressive Marcos regime, bringing in an invaluable eyewitness account of the atrocities committed during the authoritarian reign of the Marcos. Etta Rosales adds depth to the narrative, providing a stark contrast to Imelda Marcos's delusional utopian vision of her rule. Then there is Ferdinand Marcos, referenced and featured in footage throughout the film, the controversial former President who, along with Imelda, had a profound impact on their nation.

However, The Kingmaker is not merely a biopic or a historical exploration. Greenfield cleverly positions the narrative in a modern-day political backdrop to attest to Imelda Marcos' continued political influence, even after her husband’s downfall and her family’s exile. Through the film, we start to see the resurrection of the Marcos dynasty via Imelda's son, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who aspires to tread on his father's path.

To bolster the narrative's authenticity, the documentary features a series of interviews with a variety of people. From the average citizens of the Philippines who were living witnesses to the Marcos' regime and their recollections of the era, to the very circle of Marcos loyalists, supporters, victims, historians, and intellectuals - each perspective adding layers to this complex tale. By leveraging these extensive testimonials, Greenfield creates a film that is both an intimate character study and a chronicle of the socio-political history of the Philippines.

The film's cinematography is another critical aspect of The Kingmaker. Stunning visuals that capture the lavish lifestyle of the Marcos juxtaposed against the grim reality of the country's poverty and socioeconomic disparity are impactful and emotive.

The Kingmaker, through its intricate narrative and introspective approach, offers a deeply meditative investigation into the lasting effect of wealth and power on a country’s fabric and psyche. It is not just a study of one particular figure, but it delves into the wider concept of political manipulation, falsification of history, and the legacy of dictatorship.

The Kingmaker digs beneath the surface of the gloss associated with the Marcos family, unveiling a world where opulence and scandal intertwine with politics and public perception. A powerful exploration of how this intricate play of power has left an indelible mark on a nation, The Kingmaker seeks to deconstruct the dark and complex underbelly of the political world.

Lauren Greenfield’s The Kingmaker is an immersive cinematic journey that invites viewers to confront the uncomfortable realities of power and the limitless ambition of those who wield it. The relevance of its theme echoes beyond the geographical confines of the Philippines, making it a compelling, thought-provoking watch for anyone intrigued by the interplay of power, wealth, and societal manipulation. It's potent political story-telling that will linger long after the credits rolls, asking audiences to think, and question the narratives of power they are presented with.