Documentary Review: The Final Year (2017)

An In-depth Analysis

Greg Barker's 2017 documentary "The Final Year" provides an intimate and revealing look into the last 12 months of President Barack Obama's administration. With a keen focus on the foreign policy team, the film captures the endeavors and challenges faced by key figures such as John Kerry, Samantha Power, and Susan Rice. The documentary offers a unique fly-on-the-wall perspective, allowing viewers to see the intricacies of high-stakes diplomatic work and the human moments behind political decisions.

"The Final Year" manages to blend the personal and the political, highlighting not only the strategic decisions but also the personal stakes for those involved. As the team navigates complex international relations and unexpected events during a turbulent time, the film underscores the fragile nature of global diplomacy. Through candid interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, the documentary provides a profound insight into the operational dynamics of President Obama's foreign policy team.

For anyone interested in politics, diplomacy, or modern history, "The Final Year" is a compelling watch. It not only documents pivotal moments in U.S. foreign policy but also illustrates the emotional and psychological toll on those who strive to maintain global stability. This documentary stands out as an essential resource for understanding the concluding chapter of Obama's presidency and the formidable challenges that accompany the role of global leadership.

Overview of 'The Final Year'

"The Final Year" is a 2017 American documentary directed by Greg Barker, capturing the foreign policy efforts and key events during the last year of Barack Obama's presidency. The film provides an inside look into the work of prominent administration figures.

Film Synopsis

The documentary follows the senior members of the Obama administration's foreign policy team from January 2016 to January 2017. Notable figures include Secretary of State John Kerry, United Nations Ambassador Samantha Power, and Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes. While President Obama appears intermittently, the primary focus is on these officials as they navigate international diplomacy and address unexpected global challenges. The film offers a candid, behind-the-scenes perspective, revealing the complexities and nuances of government decision-making processes during a pivotal period.

Key Themes Explored

One central theme is the dedication and passion of the administration's key figures. The documentary highlights their commitment to advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives even in the face of daunting challenges and uncertainties.

Another significant theme is the unpredictable nature of international relations, capturing moments of unanticipated crises and diplomatic dilemmas. The film contrasts the administration's planned initiatives with the realities they encounter, emphasizing the often reactive nature of their work.

Finally, the documentary sheds light on the emotional and personal dimensions of the officials' roles, illustrating how their responsibilities impact their lives and the broader consequences of their decisions on the global stage. This theme imbues the film with a more intimate, humanistic portrayal of its subjects.

Production Background

The documentary "The Final Year" (2017) offers a panoramic view of the Barack Obama administration's foreign policy team during the climax of his presidency. It aims to capture the urgency, dedication, and intricacies involved in crafting national policies.

Director's Vision

Greg Barker, the director, sought to provide an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the Obama administration's final year. He envisioned a documentary that was not only informative but also emotionally resonant. Barker's approach is characterized by close-up shots and candid moments, emphasizing the human element within the political landscape. The aim was to create a narrative that seamlessly blended the personal and professional lives of key figures, including Ben Rhodes, Samantha Power, and John Kerry. This approach aimed to resonate with audiences on a deeper level, beyond mere political discourse.

Development Timeline

The development of "The Final Year" began well before 2017. Initial planning and conceptualization took place during Obama's penultimate year in office. Barker and his team secured access to high-level meetings and discussions, a process that involved meticulous planning and negotiation. Filming took place over several months, capturing crucial developments and decisions. Post-production periods were used to streamline and edit hundreds of hours of footage into an engaging 89-minute documentary. The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2017, aligning with its thematic focus on time and transition.

Interview Process

The interview process was a cornerstone of the documentary's production. Key figures including Ben Rhodes, Samantha Power, John Kerry, and Susan Rice were interviewed extensively. These interviews were designed to elicit candid reflections and insights, providing an in-depth look into the operational and emotional dynamics of the administration's foreign policy team. Barker emphasized unobtrusive filming techniques to ensure authenticity. The result was a collection of powerful and sincere narratives that anchored the film's storytelling, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the U.S. government during a pivotal year.

Critical Analysis

The documentary "The Final Year" offers a compelling inside look into the Obama administration's final year, highlighting the intricacies of policy-making and the human emotions behind the scenes. It demonstrates particular strengths and weaknesses in its narrative structure, visual presentation, and technical elements.

Narrative and Pacing

The narrative unfolds through a chronological account of the last year of the Obama administration, focusing on key figures like Barack Obama, John Kerry, Samantha Power, and Ben Rhodes. The pacing is methodical yet engaging, reflecting the intensity and urgency of diplomatic efforts.

The film balances personal moments with high-stakes policy discussions. While some viewers may find the deliberate pacing slow, it effectively conveys the complexities and pressures of governance.

Cinematography and Visual Style

Cinematographer Erich Roland employs a straightforward visual style that emphasizes authenticity. The use of natural lighting and on-location shoots enhances the documentary's veracity. Close-ups and intimate shots bring viewers closer to the emotions and decisions of the administration's officials.

The visual style avoids unnecessary dramatization, relying instead on the inherent drama of real events. This approach serves to maintain focus on the substantive issues at play.

Editing and Music

The editing by Joshua Altman strategically shapes a coherent and impactful narrative. Scenes transition smoothly, maintaining a balance between personal stories and political developments. The editing choices ensure that viewers remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed by the subject matter.

Music by Philip Sheppard supports the documentary's tone without overpowering the narrative. The score underscores emotional and pivotal moments, adding depth to the viewing experience. The restrained use of music allows for the natural sounds of the environment and dialogue to take precedence, promoting an immersive experience.

Contextual Significance

"The Final Year" (2017) stands out for its portrayal of the Obama administration's foreign policy strategies during its concluding months. This section delves into the documentary’s historical accuracy and the political impact it encapsulates.

Historical Accuracy

Greg Barker’s documentary offers an immersive view of critical foreign policy actions. It captures real-time decisions and interactions among key figures such as Secretary of State John Kerry and UN Ambassador Samantha Power. The documentary’s narrative aligns closely with documented events from Obama’s last year, making it a reliable historical source.

It highlights pivotal moments like the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord, offering viewers a comprehensive look at these significant milestones. The film’s access to high-level meetings and candid discussions provides a transparent look at the administration's behind-the-scenes operations.

Political Impact

The documentary also underscores the political climate of late 2016. It examines the Obama administration’s attempts to solidify its foreign policy legacy while grappling with the surprising election of Donald Trump. Scenes depicting the team’s reactions to the election results highlight the abrupt shift in the U.S. political landscape.

The film presents the challenges faced by Obama's team as they navigate an uncertain transition period. This perspective allows viewers to understand the fragility and complexity of political achievements amid changing administrations. Consequently, "The Final Year" serves as a reflective piece on the transient nature of political power and its impact on global relations.

Reception

"The Final Year" has garnered a mixed reception from both the general public and critics, with notable highlights in its storytelling and some criticisms concerning its depth and emotional impact.

Public Reaction

Viewers' opinions on The Final Year have varied significantly. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds a moderate 49% audience score. Some praised the film for its intimate portrayal of the final year of Obama’s administration, finding it both engaging and insightful.

Conversely, other viewers felt the documentary was too dense and exhausting. As noted, the pacing can feel rushed, which may detract from the overall experience for some. Despite these criticisms, the film maintains a steady viewership due to its subject matter and behind-the-scenes access.

Critical Response

Critics have provided a blend of praise and critique for The Final Year. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a respectable 83% Tomatometer score based on 106 reviews. Critics like those from Vulture found the film dense but appreciated its immersive quality.

Roger Ebert’s review called it engrossing, highlighting its reflection on foreign policy and the unexpected events during the Obama administration's final months. The Hollywood Reporter mentioned the film's "fly-on-the-wall" perspective, adding to its authenticity. However, some critics pointed out that the documentary's scope might have limited the depth of its narrative.

Overall, "The Final Year" remains a significant documentary for those interested in American politics and behind-the-scenes governance, despite its mixed reviews.

The Film's Relevance in 2024

Greg Barker's The Final Year offers significant insights into the inner workings of the Obama administration's foreign policy during its last months. This documentary remains relevant in 2024 as it provides a historical account, showcasing how diplomacy and politics were handled in a critical period.

Educational Value:
Students and scholars of political science can learn from the strategic decisions and challenges faced by key figures such as John Kerry, Samantha Power, and Ben Rhodes.

Contemporary Comparisons:
The film serves as a benchmark for comparing current foreign policy approaches, allowing viewers to evaluate changes in diplomatic strategies over the past few years.

Cultural Reflection:
It also reflects on the broader cultural and political shifts that have occurred since 2017. This context aids in understanding how these changes have shaped today's political landscape.

Documentary Style:
By adopting a fly-on-the-wall perspective, the film provides an immersive experience. This style continues to influence contemporary documentary filmmaking, making The Final Year a reference point for both content and technique.

Legacy of Obama’s Policies:
The documentary highlights initiatives like the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran Nuclear Deal. Observing these initiatives' long-term impacts enriches current discussions on international relations and environmental policy.

The Final Year remains a relevant and educational resource, offering key insights into the nature of political transitions and the complexities of global diplomacy.

Comparative Films

"The Final Year" shares similarities with other political documentaries and also distinguishes itself from fictional political dramas in intriguing ways.

Similar Documentaries

Greg Barker's "The Final Year" can be compared to other political documentaries that offer an inside look at the workings of government. "The War Room" (1993), for instance, provides a behind-the-scenes view of Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign, showcasing the strategic efforts of his advisors. Similarly, the documentary "Weiner" (2016) sheds light on Anthony Weiner's ill-fated mayoral campaign in New York City, contrasting public and private personas under pressure. These films offer a candid, unfiltered view into political life, resembling Barker's immersive approach as he follows Obama’s foreign policy team during their final stretch in office.

Contrast With Fictional Political Dramas

Unlike documentaries, fictional political dramas such as "The West Wing" or "House of Cards" dramatize and sometimes exaggerate the political landscape. While "The West Wing" portrays a mostly idealized White House, "House of Cards" delves into the darker, more manipulative side of politics. In contrast, "The Final Year" focuses on real people and events, providing a grounded perspective without the heightened sensationalism that fictional dramas often incorporate. The viewer sees the challenges and unexpected twists faced by Obama’s team in a more personal and realistic light.

Educational Value

"The Final Year" offers an immersive look into the intricacies of U.S. foreign policy through the lens of the Obama administration’s final year. The documentary serves as an educational resource for those curious about diplomatic strategies and governance.

Key members like Samantha Power, John Kerry, and Ben Rhodes demonstrate the practical challenges officials face. Their actions provide real-world examples of diplomatic problem-solving and crisis management.

Watching the decision-making processes, the documentary highlights the importance of strategic communication. Viewers learn how diplomacy often involves navigating complex relationships and delicate negotiations.

The film also provides insight into the bureaucracy of government. It reveals how policy decisions are crafted, debated, and implemented. This shedding light on policy development can enhance one's grasp of political science.

Educators can utilize "The Final Year" to illustrate the real-time impacts of international relations on global events. Students gain an understanding of the human elements involved, observing the personal pressures faced by policy makers.

For high school and college students, the documentary can complement textbooks by offering a visual, narrative-driven understanding of political dynamics. This can make abstract concepts more relatable.

Viewers from various backgrounds can find value in the documentary’s content. It appeals to anyone interested in politics, international relations, or governmental operations.

By highlighting key figures and their roles, "The Final Year" solidifies its educational value. The documentary functions as both a historical record and a teaching tool.

Final Thoughts

Greg Barker's documentary, The Final Year, offers viewers an intimate look into the last year of the Obama administration. It zeroes in on the foreign policy team and their efforts and challenges during the transition period.

The film provides a fly-on-the-wall experience, capturing the essence of the work done by key figures like John Kerry, Samantha Power, and Ben Rhodes.

One notable feature is the film's kinetic editing style. The rapid cuts give viewers a sense of urgency and the whirlwind nature of global diplomacy.

The Final Year also does not shy away from showing the unpredictability and surprises that marked the final months of the administration.

For those interested in political documentaries, this film stands out because of its raw and unfiltered approach. It brings to light the complexities and emotionally charged moments encountered by the Obama administration's foreign policy team.