Exposing Steve Bannon (2017)
The documentary Exposing Steve Bannon paints a portrait of a man who reshaped American politics. It starts with Bannon’s early years in the Navy, moving through his time in investment banking, film production, and eventually, his pivotal role at Breitbart News. The film meticulously details how Bannon’s influence grew, portraying him as a key architect behind the rise of alt-right ideologies.
At Breitbart News, Bannon found a platform to amplify his voice. The documentary examines how he steered the outlet into a beacon for the alt-right, pushing boundaries and often courting controversy. It highlights the strategic content that shaped public discourse and the way Breitbart became synonymous with Bannon’s brand of politics.
Bannon’s role as Chief Strategist in the Trump administration is a central focus of the film. It explores his influence on policy and politics, detailing his involvement in executive orders and his clashes with other White House figures. The documentary underscores the boldness of his vision and the friction it caused within the administration.
The film doesn’t stop at American shores; it follows Bannon’s efforts to export his political philosophy globally. It tracks his meetings with European far-right leaders and his attempts to unify nationalist movements. The documentary questions the ethical implications of such endeavors and their impact on global politics.
Bannon’s eventual exit from the White House and his fallout with Trump are covered in detail. The documentary explores the internal power struggles and the public scrutiny that led to his departure. It also considers the aftermath of his tenure and the legacy he left behind.
In its conclusion, Exposing Steve Bannon reflects on Bannon’s lasting impact on the political landscape. It contemplates the shifts in discourse he helped create and the divisions that have emerged as a result. The film leaves viewers with a critical view of Bannon’s methods and a question about the future of political strategy in the media age.