The Reagan Show

The Reagan Show is a 2017 documentary film that throws a spotlight on the life and works of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. The documentary, featuring Ronald Reagan, Nancy Reagan, and Mikhail Gorbachev as themselves, encapsulates the charisma of Reagan as a political and cultural leader during the tumultuous 1980s. The documentary is a historical narration that uses a copious amount of archival footage, providing detailed insights into Reagan's presidency.

In an innovative fashion, the film is primarily composed of television news footage, official White House tapes, as well as the personal video recordings of Reagan, showcasing his knack for public speaking and political wisdom. It takes us on an intriguing journey that mirrors a look behind the scenes of a high-stakes political drama.

The narrative does not select sides or make explicit political points but portrays an unbiased view of the presidency of Ronald Reagan. It shines the spotlight on Reagan's unimpeachable performance abilities honed from his early acting career, transforming into a defining factor of his presidency. The movie argues that Reagan's brand of leadership was, in some respects, a performance art, completely revamped, and stylized for consumption by the television age. The primary focus is on Reagan's efforts to control the American message and harness his power as a media communications magnet.

Throughout the narrative, the film also explores the humanizing aspects of Reagan as a charming man-of-the-people. His wife, Nancy Reagan, is showcased as a pivotal figure in his life, along with her influence on Reagan's posture towards the country. On the opposite side of the world stage, Mikhail Gorbachev becomes a prominent figure as Reagan's unforgettable ally-slash-antagonist during the Cold War era. Their shared screen time presents viewers with an understanding of the complexities of international diplomacy amid the tensions of the Cold War.

The selection of archival video clips range from quirky to serious. A plethora of rare, unseen video footage of Reagan traversing his everyday life at the White House delights viewers with the human side of the presidency — Reagan joking with his staff, practicing speeches, and deliberating on the nuances of political decision-making. Amid the candid, lighter moments, the documentary pivots to more serious issues. The filmmakers do not shy away from featuring the fears of nuclear annihilation prevalent during Reagan's presidency, his controversial Strategic Defense Initiative (commonly known as Star Wars), and the complexities of disarmament negotiations.

The Reagan Show excels in demonstrating how Reagan's media-savvy approach transformed the face of politics, marking a shift from policy-centered governance to an era of image-centered political performance. This documentary also implies comparisons with the present-day politics where television, and now social media, play a significant role in how politicians engagement with their audience.

The direction of Pacho Velez and Sierra Pettengill is commendable. By smartly cutting and compiling a vast amount of footage, they've managed to present a well-rounded understanding of Reagan’s presidency, epitomizing his mastery in controlling the media narrative. Archivist Rich Remsberg, along with film editor Francisco Bello, play their part well in perfect synchronization to enhance the overall impact of the movie.

In essence, The Reagan Show is an illuminating lens into the advent of media politics, the narratives of the Cold War era, and the trajectory of Reagan’s presidency. It offers a substantial examination of the power of television in political communication and how Reagan adeptly navigated the changing landscape. With rare footage, a captivating narrative, and thought-provoking commentary, this documentary is a must-watch for history buffs, political enthusiasts, and those interested in the media's evolving role in politics. It is not just a unique, compelling portrait of a charismatic leader, but also an exploration of the dynamic relationship between politics and media in defining the perception of a country's leadership.