Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes 2018

Art & Craft

In terms of direction and editing, the film delivers competent craft that supports its journalistic aims but does not venture into striking visual territory. The measured pacing and unobtrusive cutting maintain clarity, yet the cinematography relies on talking heads and archival footage with minimal stylistic variation. Overall, the art direction serves the narrative effectively without drawing attention to itself.

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character depth, the documentary offers a nuanced portrayal of Roger Ailes’s psychology through firsthand testimony. The assembled interviews provide layered insights into his manipulative tactics and personal dynamics, conveying emotional resonance without sensationalism. While lacking reenactments, the focused selection of sources illuminates the contours of his personality. The net impression is a credible, albeit methodical, examination of its central figure.

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, the narrative unfolds with consistent clarity and present-tense immediacy. The thorough research underpins a coherent progression from Ailes’s rise to his downfall, and the pacing sustains engagement through thematic chapters. However, the overall structure adheres to familiar biographical documentary templates and omits potentially divergent angles. The result is an engrossing yet somewhat conventional storytelling approach.

Sensory Experience

When considering the sensory experience, the documentary employs a restrained sound design and minimal musical cues to underscore moments of tension. Archival footage and still images dominate the visual presentation, offering authentic texture but limited stylistic variation. The restrained visual style reflects the journalistic focus, though it rarely ventures into more dynamic or immersive techniques. Overall, the sensory palette remains functional and deliberate.

Rewatch Factor

In terms of rewatch value, the film’s thorough examination of Ailes’s tactics and historic archival depth invite subsequent viewings for detail analysis. The measured pacing and present-tense delivery maintain interest, though the absence of new revelations limits the element of discovery on repeat. As a result, the documentary retains informative appeal but offers diminishing returns for viewers seeking fresh insights on rewatch.