Mike Wallace Is Here is a documentary film that takes a look at the life and career of the iconic television journalist, Mike Wallace, who spent over 60 years in the business of delivering news to the American public. Directed by Avi Belkin, the film features archival footage and interviews with colleagues and friends of Wallace, delving into his successes and struggles both on and off the camera.
From his early days as a radio announcer to his rise to fame as a television news anchor on CBS's 60 Minutes, the film captures the impact that Wallace's work had on American journalism and the political landscape. His groundbreaking interviews with public figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Margaret Thatcher are highlighted, as well as his iconic confrontations with controversial figures like Richard Nixon and Louis Farrakhan.
The film also touches on Wallace's personal life, including his battle with depression and the strain it put on his relationships with his family and colleagues. His evolution from a hard-hitting journalist to a thoughtful, introspective commentator is explored, as well as his influence on journalism today.
One particularly interesting part of the film is the focus on Wallace's interviews with former Vice President Spiro Agnew, as they provide a unique insight into the relationship between the press and the government during the Nixon era. The interviews demonstrate Wallace's tenacity and willingness to ask tough questions, while also showing Agnew's attempt to discredit the media.
The documentary features interviews with a host of journalists, politicians, and celebrities who share their thoughts on Wallace's legacy, including Barbara Walters, Tom Brokaw, and Oprah Winfrey. Jonathan Alter, a former Newsweek reporter and media analyst, provides insights into the state of journalism today and how Wallace's approach to news has influenced the current landscape.
The film is impressively edited and paced, with Belkin using archival footage to keep the audience engaged and moving through Wallace's life and career. The interviews are also well-structured, providing context and highlighting key moments in Wallace's career.
Throughout the film, the importance of Wallace's contributions to journalism is emphasized. As the boundaries between fact and fiction become increasingly blurred in today's media landscape, the film serves as a reminder of the importance of journalistic integrity and the pursuit of truth.
Overall, Mike Wallace Is Here is a compelling, thought-provoking documentary that provides a deep look into the life and career of one of America's most influential journalists. Whether you're a fan of Wallace's work or are simply interested in the history of journalism, this film is sure to inform and inspire.
Mike Wallace Is Here is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 72.
