Alex Gibney’s “The Dark Money Game”: A Disappointing Dive into American Political Corruption
In the realm of documentary filmmaking, Alex Gibney stands out as a prolific force, particularly known for his work on HBO. His recent two-part docuseries, The Dark Money Game, attempts to unravel the complexities of money’s influence in American politics. However, while the topic is undeniably significant, the execution leaves much to be desired.
A Missed Opportunity for Impact
After the success of Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos, Gibney’s latest offering might be considered one of his most needed projects in light of our current political climate. Yet, it serves more as a rudimentary history lesson than a thought-provoking exploration of the issues at hand. Unfortunately, the series suffers from sloppy editing and uninspired aesthetics, which contribute to its overall tediousness. The stakes are far too high for such a laborious presentation, especially when tackling the fragile state of American democracy.
The Bottom Line of The Dark Money Game
Important topic, blandly meandering films.
- Airdate: April 15 and April 16 (HBO, streaming on Max)
- Director: Alex Gibney
Unpackaging the Series
The two documentaries, Ohio Confidential and Wealth of the Wicked, feel less like a carefully curated series and more like simultaneously developed films lacking cohesion. Rather than providing an absorbing experience, each film meanders through overlapping material that could have benefited from the synergy of a sleek two-hour feature.
Both documentaries air back-to-back, with Ohio Confidential debuting on April 15 and Wealth of the Wicked on April 16. However, streaming availability on Max allows discerning viewers to experience them in a more logical order—an order that flips HBO’s scheduling.
Wealth of the Wicked: A Broader Perspective
Wealth of the Wicked serves as the umbrella documentary, tracing the erosion of campaign finance reform from the Federal Election Commission’s inception in 1975 to the 2010 Citizens United ruling. This documentary also explores the entangled threads of big business and religious conservatism that have led to various political scandals today, including the infamous overturning of Roe v. Wade.
The critiques resonate widely, as many viewers may find themselves feeling déjà vu; Gibney seems to be rehashing segments highlighted on Last Week Tonight, this time void of its trademark humor. Drawing inspiration from Jane Mayer’s 2016 book, this documentary provides context for our current sociopolitical landscape, where even fundamental human rights are hanging by a thread.
The Microcosm of Ohio Confidential
On the other hand, Ohio Confidential dives into the nuances of Ohio’s largest political bribery scandal involving energy companies and corrupt politicians. While narrated by actor Michael Imperioli, the documentary offers a gritty yet sometimes comedic take on a serious subject. Unfortunately, the film often feels disjointed, with awkward reinventions and drawn-out scenes that pad its runtime unnecessarily.
Despite its flaws, Ohio Confidential does manage to spotlight some compelling narratives, particularly that of Tyler Feherman—a former Republican operative who played a crucial role in exposing the corruption. However, as Gibney veers into a jarring contemplation on suicide towards the film’s conclusion, it leaves viewers feeling bewildered rather than enlightened.
A Need for Coherency
Gibney’s films tackle pressing issues worthy of exploration, yet viewers might find themselves wishing for a more cohesive approach. Each movie presents essential information but ultimately fails to craft a compelling narrative that enhances the viewers’ understanding or engagement. As important as the material is, poor storytelling prevents audiences from fully connecting with the issues discussed.
What Lies Ahead?
The Dark Money Game serves as a reminder of the fundamental flaws currently plaguing American democracy fueled by funding. However, it pales in comparison to Gibney’s previous work, which is often a beacon of rich storytelling and impactful viewing. For those seeking a deeper understanding of money’s role in politics, there are better documentaries available.
Despite its shortcomings, the subject matter remains critical. While Gibney captures essential truths about our political landscape, viewers can only hope that future projects will encapsulate these truths with the depth and creativity they deserve. After all, informing the public on these issues is vital—and it can and should be done with greater flair.
For further insights into the role of money in politics, check out related articles from The Atlantic, The New Yorker, and Politico.
