"The Trust Fall" is a documentary written and directed by Kym Straton chronicling the 'trials' of Julian Assange from his time at Melbourne Uni to his present incarceration at Belmarsh Prison, London. It is presented as he fights extradition to USA for publishing classified information embarrassing to the US government about various episodes in the overseas wars of the US Empire. In particular there is a confronting helicopter video, called Collateral Murder, showing the slaughter of innocent civilians and photographers in Iraq.
There is discussion of the role of the press and numerous interviews of supporters and observers including the late John Pilger, Daniel Ellsberg and Tariq Ali. Much is made from the US side that he is not a "journalist", I think hair splitting. I would consider Journalism within his job description and while there may be a mix of drives within us, I think he did feel this stuff should be "out". The documentary is about and for Assange -and this must be taken into account. Reading 'around' there are some contrary views. However noting the strong support from Daniel Ellsberg, who I have tremendous respect for and ditto others like Tariq Ali, I came away with more sympathy for the subject and feel he is being badly treated. Whatever you decide, he has been punished enough! Julian's wife is eloquent and passionate. The various leaders of the involved major countries do not look that good in this.
As a doco it is a bit long and too venerating, particularly at the end where it soars away. I expected Julian to change water into wine. But the film is interesting, informative and topical. A lot of good work has gone into it. See it! Make up your own mind. Come November the freedom of the Press may be even more important.
