Laura Poitras’s Seymour Hersh Documentary Celebrates Journalism in ‘Cover-Up’ Review
Documentarian Laura Poitras has dedicated two decades to persuading the renowned journalist Seymour Hersh to share his story through film. Hersh, now 88 and a Pulitzer Prize winner, is celebrated for exposing significant historical events, namely the My Lai massacre in 1969, which galvanized the anti-war movement, and revelations of torture at Abu Ghraib. His career spans over sixty years, focused on uncovering the hidden narratives powered by those in authority.
Cover-Up: A Candid Look at Seymour Hersh
Poitras’s latest documentary, titled Cover-Up, co-directed with Mark Obenhaus, explores Hersh’s illustrious career as a journalist. The film chronicles Hersh’s groundbreaking stories while integrating anecdotes from his personal life. It features a careful blend of historical context and Hersh’s unique perspective on the misuse of power.
A Deep Dive into History and Journalism
The 117-minute film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, offering a chronological examination of Hersh’s work. It adeptly weaves his reporting process with critical moments from U.S. history. Key topics addressed include:
- The My Lai Massacre, highlighting the killing of Vietnamese civilians.
- The CIA’s unlawful surveillance of anti-war student movements.
- Failed CIA experiments aimed at creating a “Manchurian candidate” through LSD.
- The U.S. involvement in placing Augusto Pinochet as dictator in Chile.
- Watergate’s implications on governmental integrity.
Throughout Cover-Up, Hersh serves as both a critic and participant in the stories he recounts. His candid reflections on powerful figures, including politicians and media executives, add depth to the narrative.
Challenges and Recognition
The documentary not only showcases Hersh’s contributions but also addresses the challenges he faced in his career. Despite his willingness to critique authority, he struggles with the memories of his past, making the documentary a complex yet engaging portrait of a man who has spent his life exposing the truth.
While Hersh acknowledges moments of error, such as his past views on Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, the documentary refrains from extensive exploration of his later career. This omission leaves viewers craving a fuller picture of his impacts post-New York Times.
Reflecting on the Current Climate
Hersh’s relentless pursuit of the truth serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability. He critiques the patterns of official cruelty, where justifications for violence are brushed off under the guise of national security.
As the film illustrates, Hersh recognizes the moral responsibilities of journalism in a violent culture. “You can’t just have a country that does that and looks the other way,” he states, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against systemic abuses.
Conclusion
Cover-Up stands as a testament to the vital role of journalism in uncovering truths that shape public awareness. Through its poignant structure and impactful storytelling, the documentary not only celebrates Hersh’s legacy but also serves as a call to action for future generations to remain vigilant about governmental transparency and accountability.
