The Joe Show is a 2014 documentary film directed by Randy Murray that follows the life of Joe Arpaio, the controversial Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona. The film features interviews with Arpaio himself, as well as interviews with his critics and supporters. The documentary highlights Arpaio's unique style of law enforcement, which includes the use of chain gangs, Tent City (an outdoor jail), and controversial immigration policies. The film provides a firsthand account of Arpaio's exploits, including his investigation into President Obama's birth certificate and his views on the Mexican border.
The Joe Show begins by providing a brief history of Arpaio's life and career as a law enforcement officer. It then delves into his early years as Sheriff of Maricopa County, where he quickly gained attention for his innovative (and often controversial) law enforcement tactics.
The film explores Arpaio's relationship with the media, which he uses to his advantage as a means of self-promotion. However, the documentary also highlights the negative impact that Arpaio's publicity stunts have had on his department's reputation, as well as the criticism that he has received from civil rights groups.
Throughout the documentary, Arpaio is presented as a polarizing figure who is beloved by some and loathed by others. The film does not shy away from Arpaio's detractors, who criticize his methods as cruel and unconstitutional. Journalists, activists, and former inmates all share their opinions on Arpaio's legacy and his impact on the community.
One of the most interesting segments of the film is the coverage of the investigation into President Obama's birth certificate. Arpaio claims that he has credible evidence that the birth certificate is a forgery, and the film shows how he has used this issue to boost his own popularity and to deflect attention away from other controversies.
The Joe Show also highlights the impact that Arpaio's policies have had on the Hispanic community in Maricopa County. Arpaio's aggressive stance on illegal immigration has earned him both support and criticism, and the documentary explores the cultural divide that exists in Arizona and the United States more broadly.
The film concludes with a discussion of Arpaio's upcoming re-election campaign, which he ultimately loses. The documentary leaves the audience with a sense of the complexity of the issues faced by law enforcement officers today, as well as the need for open dialogue and constructive debate.
Overall, The Joe Show is a fascinating and well-crafted documentary that provides insight into the life and career of one of America's most controversial law enforcement officers. Through interviews with Arpaio, his supporters, and his critics, the film provides a balanced look at the man and his impact on the community.
The Joe Show is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.
