Best of Enemies

DocumentaryHistory

2015, Movie, 1h 27min

A documentary about the legendary series of nationally televised debates in 1968 between two great public intellectuals, the liberal Gore Vidal and the conservative William F. Buckley Jr. Intended as commentary on the issues of their day, these vitriolic and explosive encounters came to define the modern era of public discourse in the media, marking the big bang moment of our contemporary media landscape when spectacle trumped content and argument replaced substance. Best of Enemies delves into the entangled biographies of these two great thinkers, and luxuriates in the language and the theater of their debates, begging the question, "What has television done to the way we discuss politics in our democracy today?"

Country: United States

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Ratings

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IMDb rating

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7.6

Critic rating

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7.7

Reviews

Critic David Parkinson

rated

https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/best-enemies-review/

Read full review at Empire

Critic Jonathan Romney

rated

...a fascinating, hugely enjoyable essay on media history – and on intellectual vanity.

Read full review at The Guardian

Critic Marjorie Baumgarten

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The details of what went down are fascinating, but the ultimate focus of 'Best of Enemies' is television and this demonstration that it can be both eminently viewable and illuminating.

Read full review at The Austin Chronicle

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Frequently asked questions

What is Best of Enemies about? Toggle content

In 1968, two intellectual titans, Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley Jr., clashed in a series of televised debates that would change the face of political discourse forever. With their sharp wit and biting humor, they skewered each other's ideologies, trading insults and personal attacks. Their explosive exchanges captivated audiences, skyrocketing ratings for ABC News and ushering in a new era of public discourse where spectacle trumped substance. This documentary delves into the entangled lives of these two great thinkers and luxuriates in the language and theater of their debates, begging the question: how has television impacted our political discussions today?

Where can I stream Best of Enemies? Toggle content

You can stream Best of Enemies on: Apple TV

What movies are similar to Best of Enemies? Toggle content

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as Best of Enemies include The Act of Killing, Battle of Jutland: The Navy's Bloodiest Day, Jodorowsky's Dune, Agatha Christie: 100 Years of Poirot and Miss Marple, King George VI: The Man Behind the King's Speech, The Law in These Parts.