Risk (2016)

Title: Risk (2016)

Director: Laura Poitras

Writer: Laura Poitras

Main Cast: Julian Assange, Sarah Harrison

About the Movie:

Risk is a compelling and provocative 2016 documentary film directed and written by Laura Poitras. It delves deep into the complex story of Julian Assange, the controversial founder of WikiLeaks, and sheds light on the profound risks and challenges faced by whistleblowers in the digital age. This documentary goes beyond typical coverage of Assange, offering intimate access and a nuanced understanding of the man behind one of the most polarizing institutions in modern journalism.

The film explores the background of WikiLeaks as an organization dedicated to transparency, unveiling classified materials and exposing government secrets with the aim to hold powerful entities accountable for their actions. It also addresses the ethical debates surrounding WikiLeaks' role, the alleged personal and political controversies relating to Assange himself, and the broader implications it has on freedom of speech, government secrecy, and journalism.

Director Laura Poitras had previously worked on projects touching related issues, including her Academy Award-winning documentary Citizenfour about Edward Snowden. Her access to Julian Assange and WikiLeaks personnel was instrumental in creating a film that captures the ambiguous and troubling dynamics at play within the realm of whistleblowing and digital activism.

Poitras’ narrative structure skillfully blends recorded footage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments that reveal Assange’s defiance, charisma, and contradictions. The documentary also features Sarah Harrison, a close confidante and lawyer for WikiLeaks, who played a critical role in assisting Edward Snowden's asylum efforts, highlighting the interconnected world of whistleblowers and the challenges they face.

The title, Risk, aptly reflects the perils associated with speaking truth to power in an era of widespread surveillance, digital warfare, and geopolitical strife. Throughout the 95-minute runtime, the film invites viewers to contemplate the moral complexities of transparency versus national security, and the personal toll exacted on those who dare to expose the truth.

Director and Writer Laura Poitras:

Laura Poitras is a distinguished filmmaker and journalist known for her courageous documentary storytelling focusing on government surveillance, human rights, and social justice. Her style combines rigorous investigative journalism with a sensitive, humanistic approach. While Citizenfour, which covered Edward Snowden, elevated her to international acclaim, Risk stands as another testament to her commitment to exploring difficult truths in the digital age.

Main Figures in the Film:

• Julian Assange: The enigmatic and divisive figure at the heart of the narrative, whose role as mastermind of WikiLeaks transformed transparency activism while embroiling him in legal and political controversy.
• Sarah Harrison: A lawyer and close associate of WikiLeaks, Harrison is portrayed as a determined and pragmatic figure who supports whistleblowers and provides crucial legal aid.

Reception and Cultural Impact:

Upon its release, Risk attracted critical attention for its intimate perspective on Assange and its thoughtful reflection on whistle-blowing. While the film exposes some of Assange’s personal contradictions — including contentious attitudes and problematic behaviors that have sparked debate — it remains an important contribution to understanding WikiLeaks’ influence on journalism and transparency.

The documentary poses thoughtful questions about the balance between public interest and privacy, the consequences of radical transparency, and challenges the viewer to critically examine their own stance on information freedom.

Conclusion:

Risk is not a traditional Hollywood movie but a vital documentary that captures a significant chapter in 21st-century history centered on whistleblowing, surveillance, and the struggle for truth in a digitalized world. Laura Poitras’ direction and writing provide a compelling, balanced account enriched by rare access to Julian Assange and those close to him. Engaging and sometimes uncomfortable, the film invites reflection on the costs of activism and the complex morality surrounding transparency and secrecy.

For anyone interested in politics, technology, human rights, or documentary film artistry, Risk offers a gripping and eye-opening experience.

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates for latest hindi movies. Stay Connected!