The Unknown Known

The Unknown Known is a documentary film that offers a unique and intimate portrayal of Donald Rumsfeld, the former US Secretary of Defense, through a series of interviews and memos he wrote during his time in office. The film explores the concepts of "unknown knowns" and how they relate to the Bush administration's justification for the Iraq War. The documentary begins with Rumsfeld discussing the importance of anticipating hostile actions before they occur, and he uses the failure of the US to anticipate the attack on Pearl Harbor as an example of a failure of imagination. As the interviews progress, the film delves into various memos written by Rumsfeld, including those addressing the aftermath of Watergate, the torture and abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib, and the definition of terrorism. Throughout the film, director Errol Morris attempts to point out contradictions in Rumsfeld's statements, but Rumsfeld often deflects or evades these points. However, in one notable exchange, Rumsfeld acknowledges that some things work out while others don't, in reference to lessons learned from Vietnam. The film also explores other themes such as language and its power, as Rumsfeld often uses ambiguous language to justify his decisions. The documentary raises important questions about the role of government officials in shaping policy and their accountability for their actions. Overall, The Unknown Known provides an engaging look at one of America's most controversial political figures and raises thought-provoking questions about the intersection of politics and national security.

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Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as The Unknown Known include Battle of Jutland: The Navy's Bloodiest Day, Big Bang in Tunguska, Red Army, Secrets of Christ's Tomb, Finding Family, Touba.