Watch The World According To Dick Cheney

The World According to Dick Cheney is a 2013 documentary that explores the life and career of former Vice President of the United States, Dick Cheney. The film features interviews with Cheney, his family members, former colleagues, experts, and critics. Directed by R.J. Cutler, the documentary presents a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of one of the most powerful and controversial politicians of our time.

The film starts with Cheney's upbringing in Wyoming and his early political career, which included a stint as White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford. It then delves into Cheney's role as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush during the Gulf War, where he gained a reputation as a hawkish and hard-nosed strategist. The film also examines Cheney's tenure as CEO of Halliburton, a multinational oilfield services company, and his controversial financial ties to the company while serving as Vice President.

Throughout the film, Cheney is portrayed as a man of great intelligence, shrewdness, and discipline, but also as a figure who is deeply secretive, manipulative, and willing to bend or break the rules to achieve his goals. Cheney's complicated relationship with his wife, Lynne Cheney, is also explored, as well as his influence on the George W. Bush administration's foreign policy decisions, including the decision to invade Iraq in 2003.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is its use of archival footage and audio recordings of Cheney, including previously unreleased recordings of conversations between Cheney and Bush, as well as interviews with journalists who covered the Bush administration. These materials offer a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the White House during one of the most tumultuous periods in modern American history.

The documentary also examines Cheney's controversial positions on key policy issues, such as torture, the Patriot Act, and surveillance, as well as his role in shaping the U.S. response to the 9/11 attacks. Cheney's defense of harsh interrogation techniques, such as waterboarding and sleep deprivation, is particularly scrutinized, as is his belief in a vastly expanded executive power.

One of the recurring themes of the film is the idea that Cheney operated in a world where the normal rules of politics and diplomacy did not apply. He was portrayed as someone who was often willing to take extreme measures to achieve his goals, whether it was toppling foreign regimes or pushing through controversial domestic policies. Critics of Cheney, including many Democrats, saw him as an authoritarian figure who was willing to sacrifice civil liberties and the rule of law in the name of national security. Supporters, on the other hand, viewed him as a tough-minded and savvy leader who was unafraid to make difficult decisions in the face of national threats.

The film ends with a discussion of Cheney's legacy, both positive and negative. While some viewers may come away with a new appreciation for Cheney's intellect and political savvy, others may be left feeling disturbed by his willingness to push the boundaries of executive power and his apparent disregard for democratic norms.

Overall, The World According to Dick Cheney is a thoughtful and engaging documentary that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and career of one of the most powerful and controversial figures in modern American politics. Whether you love him or hate him, there is no denying that Cheney's impact on U.S. foreign policy and national security will be felt for years to come.

The World According To Dick Cheney is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.