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Sex, Lies and Julian Assange

Sex, Lies and Julian Assange poster

Sex, Lies and Julian Assange

NR201243

Where to Watch Sex, Lies and Julian Assange

Sex, Lies, and Julian Assange is an investigative documentary film presented by Andrew Fowler and Kerry O'Brien. The movie debuted in 2012, amidst a climate of severe global contention around transparency, privacy and the role of digital whistleblowers in world politics. The film centres around Julian Assange, the enigmatic founder of Wikileaks, and explores the underbelly of his complex life, from his rise to fame and subsequent descent into controversy.

Andrew Fowler and Kerry O'Brien lead the narrative, investigating the numerous allegations and charges levelled against Assange. Their exploration delves into the sex scandal that turned his life upside down, the accusations of espionage, and the political power plays that have emerged as a result of his actions.

The film starts by detailing Assange's early life, his initial involvement in computer hacking circles, and the creation of Wikileaks. It sets the stage by exhibiting how Assange's Wikileaks, an operation initially run from his backpack, evolved into a significant platform for uncensored information, revealing top-secret documents and confidential government communications that shocked the world.

As the title suggests, Sex, Lies and Julian Assange delves deeply into Assange's personal life and the sexual allegations made against him. It closely examines the sequence of events, piecing together Assange's interactions with the women who later brought allegations of sexual misconduct against him. The documentary takes a circumspect approach, offering viewers a chance to examine the evidence laid out and form their own opinions about this aspect of Assange's life.

The film spends a good deal of time investigating the 'lies' in its title - the sequence of conspiracies, political maneuvers, and controversies that sprung from Assange's role at the helm of Wikileaks. It critically presents the events surrounding the infamous release of U.S. diplomatic cables and military logs from the Iraq and Afghan wars, subsequently dubbed as 'Cablegate'. It explores how these leaks catalysed an international controversy, fuelling arguments about freedom of speech, journalistic ethics, national security, and digital whistleblowing.

The film underscores the role of various governments in their response to the Assange and Wikileaks phenomenon. From their initial dismissal to later fervent pursuit, the global superpowers' shifting positions provide a fascinating backdrop as the documentary unfurls Assange's story.

The narrative follows Assange's life as he seeks asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, spurred by the possibility of extradition to the United States where he could face espionage charges for his work with Wikileaks. This situation culminates in an intense look into the life of a man who, isolated and under constant surveillance, continues to fight his battles while holed up in a small, walled-in space.

Throughout the film, Fowler and O'Brien interview various prominent figures associated with Assange's sphere, including former WikiLeaks insiders, lawyers, peers, and detractors. These interviews provide deeper insight into the complex picture of Assange: an equally admired and reviled figure who has been celebrated as a champion of free speech by some and condemned as a reckless provocateur by others.

The documentary does an impressive job of touching on every aspect of Assange's life, slowly unfolding like a complex thriller. However, it does not try to bring closure or dictate opinions. Instead, it strives to lay out the information as objectively and comprehensively as possible, leaving its viewers with enough content to question norms, challenge preconceived ideas, and rethink their stand on freedom of information.

Sex, Lies and Julian Assange attempts to provide a dutifully comprehensive and well-rounded account of a provocatively divisive character. It provides a startling exploration of Assange's journey: a saga fringed with political intrigue, personal scandal, and towering philosophical debates.

NR201243
Director
Journeyman Pictures
Stars
Andrew Fowler, Kerry O'Brien
Genres
Documentary