Starring: Julian Assange, Adrian Lamo, Bradley Manning
In the midst of the Iraq War, a young US Intelligence
Operative by the name of Bradley Manning uncovered raw footage of an American
helicopter raining down bullets on a group of suspected terrorists who turned
out to be Reuters journalists. Seeking an outlet for this and other
confidential US military material, Manning turned to a website, WikiLeaks, led
by Australian computer hacker and political activist, Julian Assange. The
resulting media fallout caused Manning to be detained by the military and
Assange to be risen to one of the most famous people on the planet attracting
both admiration and condemnation in equal measure.
A slick and sleek documentary covering the recent news story
of the WikiLeaks website, We Steal Secrets is an objective, yet often very
volatile and biting documentary. The film engages because of both its large
sweep and implications as well as the rather distinctive people that were
involved. Assange, an eccentric, peroxide blonde computer hacker, often
compared to being a rock star-like figure. Manning, a shy army recruit with
gender identity issues. Adrian Lamo, introduced as a figure who influenced
Manning to blow the whistle on the military, often throwing allusions to Star
Trek throughout his interview. It’s through these elements that the film has a naturally
cinematic quality; one day, it may even make a great feature film. However, the
documentary seems so intrigued by the story that it follows every lead and avenue.
Going down tangential pathways that really make the film sag towards the end. This is a film which takes no prisoners in who
it reports on. Whether it be WikiLeaks, their supporters, the US military or
the US Government, no-one is safe from a firm tongue lashing in the film, which
just manages to save it from being a searing character assassination on one
person or another. We Steal Secrets is insightful and interesting, but really
would benefit from being just the story of Assange (who seems the most
intriguing character anyway, especially with his little-covered backstory)
rather than just meandering through every little nook and cranny.
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