Political documentaries are always a mixed bag. We all have our own biases, viewpoints, and perspectives, and especially today, reviewing a political documentary can be seen as an act of cowardice or bravery, depending on which side you stand on. That said, let’s dig into what could be described as a one-sided documentary, Dinesh D’Souza’s Vindicating Trump.
The film opens like a thriller in a Democratic National Committee war room. In the background, Trump is making his infamous “Golden Escalator” speech, announcing that he is running for President in 2015. The speech sets off a series of phone calls and Zoom meetings between the DNC, union reps, and other dark forces strategizing how to take down Trump at the ballot box, in the media, in court, and in other sinister ways.
We then cut to documentarian Dinesh D’Souza laying out the film’s premise to present the truth behind Donald Trump — who he is, what he’s actually said, and the policies he plans to bring into the White House. D’Souza brings in Trump lawyer Alina Habba to speak to Trump’s character and the legal battle he has been fighting since announcing his re-election. Lara Trump is there to discuss Trump as a family man. Then Trump himself comes on board to defend his policies and his treatment by the political elite on both sides. He does a bit of stumping himself for his cause. D’Souza attempts to make the case that President Trump is not a danger to Democracy in America and that the Democrats are the real danger.
“…attempts to make the case that President Trump is not a danger to Democracy in America…”
Let’s be real. Vindicating Trump is a very pro-Trump documentary (I think the title gives that away). My favorite documentaries are the ones that present an idea, support it, and then counter it with opinions from both sides, letting me come to my own conclusion. This does not do that. To be fair, other Trump documentaries we’ve received don’t do that either. Consider #Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump, The Accidental President, or Hello, Privilege. It’s Me, Chelsea…among others. Will we ever get a universally recognized fair examination of the Trump Administration? Maybe 50 years from now.
Here’s what I like about Vindicating Trump: The mainstream news media lies to us in the way they cover Trump, and political pundits lie to us in the way they plead with us to vote against Trump. D’Souza does just that and attempts to vindicate Trump from the overused false narratives they say about him. We’re all familiar with the story of Trump apparently mocking a disabled journalist and the “good people on both sides” quote. The filmmaker easily debunks these narratives by playing the actual quotes in their entirety. This documentary exists to show that President Trump is not the person he’s portrayed to be in the news and opinion shows.
On the negative side, the behind-the-scenes dramatizations of DNC operatives are a bit cheesy, rivaling inane SNL sketches about what they think happens in Trump strategy sessions. It doesn’t work for the left, and it certainly doesn’t work for the right. As a film critic, I’m not trying to tell you how to vote in November. I’m here to tell you whether this is a good movie or not. I think it’s fair to say that, D’Souza is more preaching to the choir. This means one side will love this movie, and the other side won’t.
Here’s what I will say about Vindicating Trump. I would rather you go to the ballot box with an informed opinion versus an opinion that has been force-fed to you by the media and your passionate (some might say cult-like) friends and family. Take in the facts, then make your decision. Period. I say this because everyone around you will tell you that I never should have reviewed this film because it gives a platform to the Dictator Trump. Aren’t you curious when everyone around you is so adamant that you shouldn’t watch something? Maybe you should watch it and decide for yourself. You have my permission to watch a documentary and not have to agree with it.
"…would rather you go to the ballot box with an informed opinion versus an opinion that has been force-fed to you..."
The reason to suggest to people not to watch it is because its blatant propaganda served up weeks before an election. There’s honestly no reason to even review this as anything other than as such.
This is the second bullshit right wing “documentary” I’ve seen FT review in the past month. F*****g shameful fall from former grace.
F***ing awful review. Dinesh D’Souza literally got sued for his last propaganda film where he lies that the 2020 election was stolen. This new propaganda shouldn’t be labeled “a documentary”. And you are using bad “false balance” fallacy logic to justify your interest in this movie. No, the democrats are not as bad as the Republicans. Only one side is trying to steal elections. That’s Trump and his cult. That’s a statement of fact that goes above politics. You can have your own set of opinions, but not your own set of facts. So there is not two sides to everything. Dinesh Dsouza You’re an idiot
Excellent movie, the people who call him a dictator don’t know what the word means. But whatever, you live in ignorance and hate. I choose united states first.
Worse than useless review of a 2nd rate attempt to “vindictate” a truly vindictive wannabe dictator.
I’ll pass. Donald Trump is everything I find utterly repugnant in a human being. Political pundits didn’t have to tell me this. Democratic leaders didn’t have to tell me this. Simply watching and listening to the man is really all I need to know.
If this is an impartial review why would you label Trump as a Dictator? Shows your opinions may not be impartial at all. Pretty unprofessional if you even think of yourself as impartial.Shame on you for using inflaming terminology as it is not true and your comments are the reason for those attempting to kill Trump. Your decision and those like you in the media are very much responsible with the ugliness that permeates of culture.
Would rather not donate a single penny or minute of precious time towards watching someone defend a divisive greedy embarrassing unethical narcissist scammer. How much profit from this documentary goes in Trump’s pocket? How about solutions for the country instead of monetizing at every turn without considering actual truth and individual’s well being. Almost all of his last administration said they would never work for him again… listen to the people, not the scammer. And, the review of the documentary gave very little information except the obvious. Don’t need to see it to know that. Credit for even trying to review something so obvious by the title.
No. We’re not curious why “the news media” want us to vote against Trump. We are aware on our own that Trump is a threat to democracy. We know what he has said. We have seen it. We have heard it. But you’re falling for Dinesh D’Souza’s intentional lies? This is a convicted felon who trades in conspiracy theories. His “2000 Mules” film was so full of lies the distributor had to apologize and withdraw it. It’s shocking and sad that you would give this “filmmaker” any credence at all.
Already votin for TRUMP…goiin tjjo the movie anyway!!!!!!!