The World According To Dick Cheney

The World According to Dick Cheney is a riveting 2013 documentary that provides an intimate peek into the life of arguably one of the most influential and controversial figures in American politics, Richard 'Dick' Cheney. This biographical documentary, which stars Cheney himself as well as his wife Lynne Cheney and actor Dennis Haysbert, is directed by R.J. Cutler and Greg Finton.

The documentary opens a window into the fascinating world of American politics as seen and shaped by Dick Cheney, right from his modest beginnings in a small town in Wyoming to his ascent to being one of the principal players in the United States political landscape. For his supporters, Cheney is a staunch, unyielding champion of American interests, while critics view him as a dark, unnerving force who operated behind closed doors.

Throughout the documentary, Cheney figures prominently not just as its main subject but also as its main narrator. His firsthand accounts, coupled with insights from Lynne Cheney and Dennis Haysbert, construct an intricate tapestry of Cheney's robust political career spanning over four decades. Lynne Cheney, often seen as Cheney’s confidante and the woman behind the man, provides a more personal perspective into Cheney's character and motivations. On the other hand, Haysbert, who is renowned for his roles in political thrillers such as "24", lends star power and dramatic tension to the narrative.

The World According to Dick Cheney is marked by candid and pointed discussions about Cheney's life and political career, including his tenure as the Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush during the 1991 Gulf War and his consequential role as Vice President under George W. Bush. Cheney's prominent role in the challenging aftermath of the September 11 attacks is also detailed, offering viewers a riveting perspective on some of the most critical moments in recent history.

The documentary successfully navigates the intricate path of Cheney's political evolution with a fair measure of objectivity. Despite being a product of Cheney's narrative, the film doesn’t shy away from exploring the significant controversies that have marked his career, such as his advocacy of the Iraq War and his views on extended surveillance and torture.

It also delves into how Cheney’s personal experiences - like his self-professed turning point being his DUI arrests and dropping out of Yale, and his health issues, including several heart attacks - have shaped his political journey. These aspects intelligently lay out the man beneath the political persona, which sometimes got lost in public rhetoric.

Directors Cutler and Finton strive for a balanced portrayal of the former Vice President, offering a platform for his supporters and critics alike. The film employs a wealth of primary source material, including interviews with journalists, former officials, and Cheney’s family and friends, alongside archival footage to reconstruct an expansive portrayal of Cheney's political narrative.

While the documentary shines a spotlight on various aspects of Cheney's political journey, at its core, it is a profound exploration of power, its complexities, and its implications. Cheney, with his mantra "Principle is okay up to a certain point, but principle doesn’t do any good if you lose", firmly puts forth his belief in doing what it takes to safeguard national interests.

On a technical level, the documentary blends together a host of cinematic elements to keep the viewer's attention firmly on the screen. The film's pace is steady, and its focus never wavers from its primary subject. The narration throughout the documentary uses a thought-provoking and engaging dialect that pertains to what Dick Cheney and the others bring to the political table.

In conclusion, The World According to Dick Cheney offers a unique look into Cheney's impact on American politics, skilfully painting a nuanced image of a man frequently reduced to caricature. Whichever side of the political spectrum viewers are on, audiences will find this kaleidoscope of insights about one of the most intriguing figures in American politics genuinely captivating. This is not a political documentary to miss for anyone keenly interested in American politics, history, or simply the saga of a remarkable political journey.