Topic: Documentary Film

A look back at 2016 reveals that Robert De Niro initially supported the screening of the controversial documentary "Vaxxed" at the Tribeca Film Festival before abruptly pulling it. De Niro, who has an autistic child, cited conversations with "experts" for the decision. The hosts suggest this moment marked a turning point in De Niro's public persona and his alignment with mainstream political and medical narratives.

Director Rob Reiner produced a new documentary titled "God and Country," which examines the perceived threat of Christian Nationalism to American democracy. The film features interviews with conservative Christians who express concern that the movement is poisoning both the faith and the political system. Reiner has been active in promoting the film as a warning against a potential "theocratic autocracy" under a second Trump term.

The documentary "Minnesota: The Modern Day Selma" has been accepted by the Academy for consideration in the documentary category. Producers are encouraged to help the film reach the shortlist of 15 by raising awareness among Academy members. The film, directed by Michael Douglas Carlin, is currently one of 138 documentaries in the running for an Oscar.

Jonathan Evans, a film editor in New Orleans, becomes "Sir Double-Bladed Splice" after a $250 donation. He shares a documentary titled "This Is What We Do" about how New Orleans restaurants are surviving the crisis. Evans requests "Coke Zero" for the round table and "Jobs Karma" for his community.

A new four-hour documentary on Hillary Clinton premieres on Hulu, portraying her early career as a genuine fighter for women's rights. Viewers note the film is expertly produced to avoid mentions of corruption, though the narrative may shift in later hours. The timing of the release is viewed as a strategic move to bolster her image during the 2020 primary season.

A new four-part documentary titled "Hillary" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and is set to air on Hulu in March 2020. The film's trailer is described as a campaign-style advertisement designed to keep Hillary Clinton in the public eye as a potential "insurance policy" for the Democratic Party. Media commentary has begun framing Donald Trump as a "beast" that current Democratic frontrunners may be unable to defeat.

The documentary film "Clinton Cash," based on the book by Peter Schweitzer, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The film investigates the financial ties between the Clinton family's wealth and foreign entities. The hosts discuss Schweitzer's background in investigative reporting, including his previous work on congressional insider trading featured on 60 Minutes.

The credibility of filmmaker Laura Poitras is questioned, specifically regarding an incident in Iraq where she was allegedly filming from a roof during an IED attack that killed U.S. soldiers. The hosts suggest the military's animosity toward her stems from claims that she had prior knowledge of the ambush. They posit that her involvement in the Snowden leaks may be part of a coordinated intelligence operation.

Adam Curry provides a scathing review of the pro-nuclear documentary "Pandora's Promise," which he watched in a nearly empty theater. He criticizes the film's lack of "positioning" for its subjects, such as Stuart Brand, and its failure to address how the media indoctrinates the public against nuclear power. Curry argues the film was "sabotaged" by its association with CNN Films and poor editing.