Best of Enemies is a riveting documentary film that takes you back to the 1968 Presidential elections and the intense politcal debate between William F. Buckley and Gore Vidal on ABC. Buckley and Vidal represented and stood for two different visions of America during this time. The debate was not a loud one, but a civil one that was edgy and highbrow. Now, this does not mean that lines were not crossed – they did cross the line and you will have to watch the film to find out about it. What is interesting is that this politiical debate seems to have appealed to the people at that time.
Best of Enemies is a timely film since we are at the start of the 2016 Presidential elections. The film also reminds you how much television has shaped our own political views. But more importantly, the film underscores the political punditry between Buckley and Vidal, which is largely absent from the TV and cable channels today.
I got an opportunity to interview Robert Gordon, who co-wrote and co-directed the film. We talked to him about the making of the film. Why did they make the film now and what was it like to interview Vidal? We also spoke about the importance of this particular political debate. We spoke to Gordon about his love for music. He has written and made films about musicians, including Muddy Waters, the famous blues musician.
Best of Enemies released on Friday, Aug 7, 2015 in San Francisco Bay area.
The Kamla Show 