"Mike Wallace Is Here" Screening Response

The screening of "Mike Wallace Is Here" was fascinating because of the film itself but also because of the director's comments afterwards. I enjoyed the way the film was formatted, composed of archival interviews as well as the split screen that allowed viewers to see both Wallace and whoever he was interviewing. The film was very intriguing because I didn't grow up watching 60 Minutes so everything I learned from the film was new to me but I could sense the nostalgia shared in the room. It was almost surprising how much this journalist linked several people in the room, it was like going to a birthday party or a wedding of someone you don't know but noticing how everyone in the room is affected. The film did well in encapsulating every aspect of Mike Wallace's life from the beginning of his career, to his marriages and son's passing and his own battle with depression. The film was archival but also chronological, choosing to discuss issues like death when he was of old age, which made it all the more impactful. I gained a new perspective on investigative journalism because of how powerful the field of work is. Mike Wallace was granted access and received exclusive information because of his profession that allowed him to ask important questions. I don't have any experience with journalism and initially thought this documentary wouldn't capture my attention but it exceeded all my expectations.