Best of Enemies

About This Movie

Best of Enemies dives into the charged atmosphere of 1968 with the debates between Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley Jr. The film captures not just their sharp verbal exchanges but also the cultural and political climate of the time. The editing is tight, often leaving you breathless as their arguments escalate. It's fascinating to see how their personalities clash—Vidal's sardonic wit against Buckley's measured conservatism. There’s a certain rawness to their encounters that feels both timely and notable. It's not just about the issues; it’s about how two intellectual titans defined discourse, making this more than just a historical footnote. The archival footage is well-used, and the interviews with contemporary figures add layers to the context without overshadowing the primary material.

Directed by Robert Gordon, co-directed by Morgan Neville. · Released on Blu-ray and DVD in 2015. · Runtime: 87 minutes, features original footage from the debates. · Includes interviews with various cultural commentators.