Secrecy (2008)

User Rating:

7.7/10   

Directors:

Peter Galison
Robb Moss

Release Date:

12 September 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary

Plot:

Amidst the American hunger for instantaneous news and up-to-date "facts," this unflinching film uncovers the vast, invisible world of government secrecy. |

Plot Keywords:

One Word Title

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Thomas Blanton	...	Himself
Melissa Boyle Mahle	...	Herself

Runtime:

85 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color | Black and White

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Company:

Redacted Pictures

Very Important Documentary that deserves a Wider Audience

Secrecy is an excellent political documentary that delves into the complex arena of secrecy in American government. It explores the fascinating history how and why secrecy policies developed through the Cold War and how they have now been adapted to the War on Terror. The film simultaneously explores the inter-related issues of keeping government secrets from the public and the less commented-upon problem of intra-governmental secrecy that prevented intelligence agencies from cooperating before 9/11. Unlike so many political films, this is a balanced presentation that brings in a variety experts with different and nuanced points of view. It doesn't dumb down its discussion to the lowest level of discourse. It explores the role of both the government and the media and their complex dance with each other. It is enjoyable and professional and reminds the viewer of the type of program put together by PBS's first rate series, Frontline. The film would be an excellent one to adapt for use in high school and college political science classrooms. It explores a complex and inherently difficult issue without being didactic or conspiratorial. At the same time, it manages to entertain. This film is recommended to everyone who wants to better understand their government.