Hillary

Hillary is an intimate and comprehensive documentary that Hulu premiered in 2020. Spanning four hour-long episodes, it provides a close-up look at one of the most prominent political figures in modern American history, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The series is the result from the collaboration between Hillary Clinton herself and Nanette Burstein, an Oscar-nominated director whose previous works include 'The Kid Stays in the Picture.' It offers viewers an exclusive look behind the scenes at Hillary Clinton's life, taking them on a journey that begins with her childhood in Park Ridge, Illinois, and culminates in the present day and her role as a global feminist icon.

'Hillary' includes input from Clinton's closest allies and adversaries alike, and it incorporates interviews with a diverse group of journalists, politicians, friends, critics, and family. These interviews are interspersed with personal photographs and videos that the Clintons have never shared before with the public. Well-selected archival footage, such as her speeches, televised interviews and reportage, both elucidates Clinton's life and times and conveys the atmosphere and tensions of the periods and events represented.

The documentary particularly focuses on Hillary's relationship with the public and the media, chronicling the intense scrutiny and criticism she has often faced. These issues are contextualized within the larger landscape of American history, politics, gender attitudes and power dynamics. It's rich in commentary about the cultural and political shifts that have occurred during Hillary's life, signaling the evolution of feminism, and showing the impact of sexist attitudes and misogyny on women in power.

Hillary Clinton herself is a driving force in this documentary, candidly talking about her life, beliefs, failures, and triumphs. It embodies her resilience and the complexities of her persona, and it attempts to present her as the multi-dimensional individual she is, as opposed to the divisive and polarising figure she is often painted as. From her early years as an ambitious law student and her successful career as a lawyer and advocate for children's rights to her roles as First Lady, U.S. Senator, Secretary of State and presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton's remarkable journey is given vivid form.

Influential episodes in Clinton’s life, such as the Whitewater, Monica Lewinsky, and Benghazi scandals, the 2008 and 2016 presidential elections, and her controversial email server, are also explored thoroughly, with Hillary herself offering detailed insights and perspectives on these events. 'Hillary' does not shy away from the kontroverses and challenges, rendering a fair depiction of the successes and setbacks of Clinton's public and private life.

Furthermore, the series also touches on her relationship with former President Bill Clinton. In addition to insights from friends and historians, both Hillary and Bill contribute extensive interviews, discussing their lives together, their political partnership, their joint ambitions and the crises they have faced, including Bill's infidelity and the toll it took on their marriage.

Yet, the documentary is not all serious political discussions and controversies. There are many moments of personal reflection, humor, and warmth, painting a more humanizing picture of the political figure. It reminds the viewer that behind the political icon is a woman who has experienced the same array of emotions, ambitions, hopes and dreams, and disappointments that color everyone's life.

In summary, 'Hillary' offers a unique and intensive examination of Hillary Clinton's life and career. It manages to tie together the personal and political, the public and private — providing a densely layered exploration of a woman who has been a steadfast figure in American politics for decades. Whether you love her, loathe her, or don't quite know what to think of her, this documentary provides a candid, detailed, and richly anecdotal tale of her life and careers, both political and personal. For viewers interested in politics, history, gender issues, or contemporary American society, 'Hillary' provides a captivating, thought-provoking watch.