Watch MLK/FBI

MLK/FBI is a thought-provoking documentary film released in 2020 that explores the tumultuous relationship between Martin Luther King Jr. and J. Edgar Hoover's Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The film is directed by Sam Pollard and based on the work of historian David Garrow. The film mainly focuses on the FBI's extensive surveillance of the civil rights leader under Hoover’s orders, and their attempts to discredit him.

The movie delves into the complicated power dynamic between King and Hoover, which led to the FBI's extreme measures to destroy King's reputation as a civil rights leader. King is portrayed as a charismatic and courageous man who inspired a movement, while Hoover is depicted as a ruthless chief who saw any dissent as a threat to national security. Hoover and the FBI regarded King as a communist sympathizer, a dangerous disruptor, and a potential threat to national security.

The film showcases many behind-the-scenes moments, including wiretapping and surveillance footage of King's private life that had been concealed for decades. The FBI had gathered this extensive surveillance on King and his associates by infiltrating his inner circle and tapping their phones. This material was used to attempt to discredit him in the eyes of the American public, with recordings of his extramarital affairs allegedly used to undermine his credibility.

The documentary extensively discusses the FBI's surveillance tactics, which Hoover had authorized in the name of national security. King was constantly under scrutiny through the FBI's COINTELPRO (Counterintelligence Program) and had even received an anonymous letter urging him to commit suicide. The FBI wanted to tarnish and destroy Martin Luther King Jr., labeling him as a subversive and dangerous character.

The film also focuses on the repercussions of the FBI's actions on King’s mental health, marriage, and work. MLK/FBI highlights the toll it took on King, particularly the emotional fatigue and the psychological warfare waged on him, leading to King’s suspicion and even paranoia. The film delves into the impact of the FBI's intimidation tactics on King's legacy, which has endured despite the government’s immoral efforts to undermine him.

The documentary MLK/FBI sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of the civil rights movement and raises questions around the surveillance and intimidation tactics used by the government of the era. It also highlights the legacy of King's struggle amidst the fight against systemic oppression and racism.

In terms of the technical aspects of the film, MLK/FBI uses interviews with historians, activists, scholars, authors, and former FBI agents who provide insight into the surveillance and espionage conducted during that period. The movie features actual footage of Martin Luther King Jr. delivering iconic speeches and historic events throughout the civil rights era. The film’s editing, sound design, and narration (provided by Samuel L. Jackson) are exceptional and contribute to its impact.

In conclusion, MLK/FBI provides an eye-opening and disheartening insight into the US government's assault on one of the most prominent figures in the civil rights movement. The film offers a disturbing but necessary look at how Hoover and the FBI attempted to undermine King's legacy, raising important questions in the process about the morality of government surveillance and the impact of propaganda on national identity. The documentary accurately portrays the FBI's aggressive tactics in their attempts to suppress the movement for equality and highlights the bravery and strength of King and his allies.

MLK/FBI is a 2021 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 81.