Movie spotlight
Buying the War
In 2003, the United States pre-emptively attacked Iraq in a war that would last for eight years claiming an estimated 189,000 lives, costing over $2 trillion and causing untold economic and emotional devastation for the Iraqi people. In this 2007 documentary that originally aired on Bill Moyers Journal, Moyers investigates big media’s role as cheerleader in the clamor for war in the months preceding the March 19, 2003 invasion. How did the mainstream press get it so wrong in the run-up to the Iraq War?
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary delves into the media's role in the lead-up to the Iraq War, examining how news organizations reported on the Bush administration's justifications for invasion. It scrutinizes the access granted to journalists and the influence of government narratives on public perception. The film questions the effectiveness of media oversight and its ultimate impact on foreign policy decisions.
Critical Reception
Buying the War received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its timely and important subject matter, as well as its thorough investigation into the media's complicity in promoting the war. Some noted its dense presentation of information, but most agreed it offered a crucial perspective on a pivotal moment in recent history.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its critical examination of media responsibility during wartime.
Lauded for its detailed look at how government narratives influenced news coverage.
Some found the extensive information overwhelming, but acknowledged its significance.
Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for this documentary is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The documentary was produced by Independent Lens, a PBS series that showcases independent films on a variety of social and cultural issues.
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