Documentarian Barnes does address Ailes’ downfall in a limited way. Because of an NDA agreement and settlement between the Ailes estate and Gretchen Carlson, that chapter could not be discussed at all in the documentary. Barnes is only left with Megan Kelly and her story. I discuss this at length with Michael Barnes in a one-on-one interview, that’s worth checking out.
If you’re a political junkie/ historian, Man in the Arena is a great story of a flawed but influential man. Look, it’s not hard to watch the entirety of Ailes’ life and not always be reminded of the last years of his life. It was impossible for me to watch his story and not think about his accusers’ stories. It definitely clouded the story being told. But think what you will about the man, his accomplishments continue to influence politics. You can #Cancel the man, but you can’t cancel his impact on the world today.
“It was impossible to watch his story and not think about his accusers’ stories.”
What struck me the most about Roger Ailes in Man in the Arena are his friends and defenders. This documentary was produced after his death and long after the allegations and settlements. Those willing to come and say great things about Roger are far from limited to old, white men. In fact, this documentary couldn’t have been made without the help and support of late Democratic advisor Pat Caddell.
Man in the Arena is worth watching regardless of your politics. You can see it as a portrait of a powerful man or watch to see how the enemy found success and how he was taken down. The film will not sway your position one way or the other, nor will it answer questions about his final years. But as November rolls around, you’re going to understand how we got to this point politically as a nation. Can we separate the man from his accomplishments? That’s debatable, but what’s undeniable is the reach today of his legacy.
"…had relatively no money. The sets were cheap, and nobody knew what Fox News was…"
