“The Hollow Men,” a 2008 documentary directed by Alister Barry, offers a compelling and critical look into the inner workings of the New Zealand National Party’s 2005 election campaign. Based on the best-selling book of the same title by investigative journalist Nicky Hager, the film serves as an exposé of the strategies, tactics, and behind-the-scenes communications that shaped the party’s efforts to unseat the Labour government led by Helen Clark. Released just three years after the events it depicts and in the lead-up to another general election in New Zealand, the documentary transcends a mere historical account, positioning itself as a crucial commentary on the nature of modern political campaigning. By delving into leaked emails and documents, “The Hollow Men” unveils the often-unseen mechanisms employed to influence public opinion and achieve electoral success, prompting viewers to consider the broader implications for democratic processes.
Production History: Genesis and Development
Origin in Nicky Hager’s Book:
The genesis of the documentary “The Hollow Men” lies firmly in Nicky Hager’s highly influential 2006 book of the same name. Hager’s book was a groundbreaking piece of investigative journalism, meticulously detailing the National Party’s election strategies for the 2005 general election. Its foundation rested upon a vast trove of internal party documents and emails that were leaked to Hager by several National Party insiders. These confidential communications, authored by then-party leader Don Brash and a range of his close associates, provided an unprecedented glimpse into the planning and execution of a major political campaign. The publication of the book was not without significant controversy. Don Brash, upon learning of Hager’s impending release, sought an injunction to prevent the publication of material from his emails, claiming they were stolen. However, the political fallout from the book’s revelations, particularly concerning the party’s strategies and its knowledge of the Exclusive Brethren’s pamphlet campaigns, ultimately led to Brash’s resignation as leader of the National Party in November 2006. The subsequent lifting of the injunction paved the way for the book’s release. Given the book’s explosive content and its direct impact on the political landscape, any adaptation into another medium, such as film, carried inherent significance and public interest.
Alister Barry’s Involvement:
The task of bringing Hager’s exposé to the screen fell to Alister Barry, a seasoned New Zealand documentary filmmaker with a well-established reputation for tackling critical political and social issues. Barry’s filmography includes notable works such as “Someone Else’s Country” (1996) and “In a Land of Plenty” (2002), both of which critically examined the impact of New Right politics and unemployment in New Zealand. According to reports, Barry’s initial interest in making a film about political tactics and spin-doctoring predated the release of Hager’s book. However, Don Brash’s “Orewa One” speech, which sparked considerable debate about race relations in New Zealand, prompted Barry to focus his attention on the National Party’s strategies leading up to the 2005 election. The subsequent publication of “The Hollow Men” provided Barry with a wealth of meticulously researched material, with Hager himself becoming an invaluable resource for the movie, described by Barry as a “walking encyclopedia”. Given Barry’s history of producing documentaries with a critical lens on New Zealand politics, his involvement in adapting “The Hollow Men” strongly suggests that the film would likely adopt a similar perspective, scrutinizing the National Party’s campaign strategies and motivations.
Production Details:
“The Hollow Men” (2008) has a runtime of approximately 98 minutes. As a documentary, it predominantly utilizes archival footage from news broadcasts, political events, and interviews with various experts, including political scientists and journalists, to construct its narrative. The film was produced by Vanguard Films, a collective known for its left-wing perspective on New Zealand politics and its critical examination of power structures. The documentary premiered at the prestigious New Zealand International Film Festival in July 2008, indicating its significance within the national film landscape and its potential to engage a politically aware audience. The use of extensive archival footage likely serves to provide context and visual evidence for the claims made in the film, grounding its analysis in publicly available records of the events in question. The inclusion of expert interviews adds an analytical layer, offering interpretations and insights from individuals with expertise in political science and journalism.
Detailed Plot Analysis: Unpacking the Narrative
Focus on the 2005 Election Campaign:
The documentary “The Hollow Men” meticulously traces the New Zealand National Party’s strategies and tactics during the lead-up to the 2005 general election. The film centers on key figures such as Don Brash, the then-leader of the National Party, and the network of advisors and strategists who orchestrated the campaign. Notably, the documentary highlights the significant influence of Australian and American political strategists who were brought in to assist the National Party in their efforts to unseat the incumbent Labour government. A central narrative thread involves the party’s calculated attempts to sway so-called “soft voters”—undecided or swing voters—through the strategic deployment of various political cards, including playing on racial tensions, focusing on immigration concerns, and promising significant tax cuts. By laying bare these campaign tactics, the film likely aims to expose the often-unseen and potentially manipulative aspects of contemporary political campaigns, encouraging viewers to critically examine the methods employed by parties seeking power.
Key Narrative Elements:
Several key narrative elements drive the plot of “The Hollow Men.” The film extensively explores the impact and controversy surrounding Don Brash’s “Orewa speeches,” a series of addresses that focused on race relations and social issues, which became a defining feature of the 2005 election cycle. Another significant element is the film’s examination of the clandestine involvement of the Exclusive Brethren, a religious group whose unsolicited pamphlet campaigns during the election became a major point of contention. Crucially, the documentary draws heavily upon the leaked internal emails and documents obtained by Nicky Hager, using these primary sources to reveal the National Party’s strategic discussions, internal communications, and the thinking behind their public messaging. The film also portrays the dynamic relationship between Don Brash and his team of advisors, highlighting the extent to which his campaign was shaped by their strategies and recommendations. The narrative concludes by touching upon the aftermath of the election and the eventual rise of John Key as the new leader of the National Party, hinting at the continuing evolution of political strategies within the party. Through these elements, the film suggests a potential gap between the carefully constructed public image of politicians and the more pragmatic, and at times cynical, realities of political campaigning.
Themes Explored:
“The Hollow Men” delves into several interconnected themes that are central to understanding contemporary politics. A primary theme is the pervasive nature of political manipulation and deception in modern election campaigns. The film meticulously documents instances where the National Party’s public statements and policy positions appeared to be strategically crafted to appeal to specific segments of the electorate, often obscuring a potentially more radical underlying agenda. Another significant theme explored is the considerable influence of money and big business in political processes. The documentary sheds light on the financial backing received by the National Party from prominent business figures and the potential impact of these donations on the party’s policies and priorities. The role of the media in shaping public opinion is also a key theme, with the film illustrating how the National Party strategically managed its media appearances and messaging to control the narrative surrounding its campaign. Furthermore, “The Hollow Men” implicitly raises questions about the ethical implications of the political campaigning tactics employed, prompting viewers to consider the boundaries of acceptable behavior in the pursuit of electoral victory. Ultimately, by weaving together these themes, the film offers a critical examination of the health and transparency of New Zealand’s democratic process, encouraging a more informed and discerning electorate.
Examination of Main Characters: Motivations and Portrayals
Don Brash:
In “The Hollow Men,” Don Brash, as the leader of the National Party during the 2005 election, is portrayed as a central figure navigating the complexities of a high-stakes political campaign. The documentary juxtaposes his carefully cultivated public persona, often emphasizing themes of honesty and integrity , with the image that emerges from the leaked internal emails and strategic discussions. This contrast suggests a deliberate effort to project a specific image to the public that may have differed from the party’s actual motivations and long-term goals. The film delves into Brash’s motivations for adopting particular campaign strategies, such as his focus on race relations in the “Orewa speeches” and the party’s emphasis on tax cuts. The documentary also touches upon Brash’s reaction to the leaking of the confidential information and the subsequent pressure that ultimately led to his resignation from the party leadership. The overall portrayal of Brash in “The Hollow Men” suggests a leader whose public image was meticulously constructed by his advisors and whose private communications and intentions, as revealed through the leaked emails, painted a potentially different picture.
Key Advisors and Strategists:
The documentary sheds light on the crucial roles played by the advisors and strategists who operated behind the scenes of the National Party’s 2005 election campaign. The film indicates that these individuals, including both local and imported talent from Australia and the United States, wielded significant influence over Brash’s decisions and the overarching campaign strategy. The documentary highlights their motivations, which appeared to be primarily driven by the desire to secure an electoral victory for the National Party, even if it meant employing controversial or divisive tactics. The involvement of Australian and American strategists underscores the increasing professionalization and internationalization of political campaigning, suggesting a reliance on tried-and-tested techniques developed in other political contexts. “The Hollow Men” effectively illustrates the significant power and influence that spin doctors and campaign strategists can have in shaping political messaging, public perception, and ultimately, electoral outcomes.
Nicky Hager:
Nicky Hager, the investigative journalist whose 2006 book “The Hollow Men” serves as the foundation for the documentary, plays a pivotal role in the film’s narrative. His motivation for writing the book, and subsequently his involvement in the film’s production as a researcher , appears to stem from a commitment to exposing what he perceived as unethical and undemocratic practices within the National Party’s election campaign. By obtaining and publishing the leaked internal documents and emails, Hager aimed to provide the public with an unfiltered look at the strategies and tactics being employed behind the scenes. His extensive knowledge of the leaked material and his role as a researcher for the documentary effectively position the film as an extension of his investigative journalism, lending it a sense of authority and credibility as an exposé of political maneuvering.
Critical Reception and Reviews: A Multifaceted Perspective
New Zealand Herald Review:
The New Zealand Herald, a prominent national newspaper, provided a critical review of “The Hollow Men,” noting its significance in offering an “instructively long view of recent history”. The reviewer highlighted the film’s confirmation of the National Party’s deliberate concealment of their more extreme right-wing agenda during the 2005 campaign, suggesting a level of strategic maneuvering to gain broader public support. While acknowledging the film’s revealing nature, the review also pointed out its resolutely partisan perspective, suggesting that it largely focused on the National Party’s tactics without a similar examination of other political entities. Interestingly, the review draws a parallel to the potential use of similar “spin doctor” tactics by the Labour Party, implying that the kind of political maneuvering depicted in the film might not be exclusive to one side of the political spectrum. This initial critical reception in New Zealand suggests that while the film was recognized for its informative content and historical relevance, its potential for bias was also noted, prompting viewers to consider its perspective within the broader context of political commentary.
Other Critical Perspectives:
Beyond the New Zealand Herald, other critical perspectives on “The Hollow Men” can be gleaned from available information. One review mentions the film’s serious tone, differentiating it from the stage play adaptation of the book, and highlights the inclusion of new material not found in the book. This suggests that the documentary offers more than just a direct visual translation of Hager’s work. Another commentary notes the film’s focus on the political techniques used by the National Party leading up to the 2005 election, framing it as a study of modern politics in a democratic system. The director himself stated that the film aims to “shine a light on the way in which power works in society”. Some audience members, reflecting on the documentary years later, have observed that the political tactics depicted in the film remain relevant and seemingly consistent with the National Party’s approaches in subsequent elections. However, one commenter, while acknowledging the film’s content, questioned whether it presented anything particularly unusual or unethical compared to standard political practices across different parties. This range of perspectives underscores the complex and potentially contentious nature of the film’s subject matter, with viewers and critics engaging with its findings in various ways.
Non-English Reviews:
A search for critical reviews of “The Hollow Men” (2008) from non-English sources within the provided research material did not yield any specific results. This does not definitively mean that such reviews do not exist, but rather that they were not present in the accessed information. Further dedicated research beyond this material would be necessary to ascertain the film’s reception among non-English speaking audiences or in international publications.
Box Office Performance: Commercial Impact
Search for Box Office Data:
Investigating the box office performance of “The Hollow Men” (2008) proves challenging, as specific financial figures are not readily available within the provided research material. This is not uncommon for documentary films, especially those with a strong political or social focus, as their release strategies often differ significantly from those of mainstream feature films. Documentaries typically have limited theatrical runs, often premiering at film festivals and then finding distribution through television broadcasts, online streaming platforms, or educational markets. Therefore, traditional box office gross may not be the most accurate indicator of the film’s overall reach or impact.
Notable Achievements or Failures:
While concrete box office numbers are elusive, “The Hollow Men” did achieve notable recognition through its participation in film festivals, including its world premiere at the New Zealand International Film Festival in 2008. This suggests a level of critical acclaim and interest within the film community. Additionally, the director, Alister Barry, expressed hope that making his documentaries available online would broaden their reach and encourage public discussion. He noted that his previous documentary, “The Hollow Men,” had garnered a significant number of views on YouTube, although he cautioned that this did not necessarily equate to viewers watching the film in its entirety. This indicates that for documentaries like “The Hollow Men,” success might be better measured by audience engagement and the extent to which they stimulate public discourse rather than solely by traditional box office metrics.
Cast List: Individuals Featured in the Documentary
The documentary “The Hollow Men” features several key individuals who contribute to its narrative and analysis. The following table provides a list of some of the main people who appear or are prominently featured in the film:
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Don Brash | Leader of the National Party (2005) |
| Nicky Hager | Author of “The Hollow Men” |
| Alister Barry | Director of the Documentary |
| Nick Blake | Narrator |
| John Key | Later Leader of the National Party |
| Bill English | Senior Figure in the National Party |
| Jon Johansson | Political Scientist (Commentator) |
| Colin Espiner | Political Editor (Commentator) |
| Peter Keenan | Former Economist (Advisor) |
| Vaughan Slinn | Voice Actor (Bryan Sinclair) |
| Julie Thorns | Voice Actor (Diane Foreman) |
| Sam Snedden | Voice Actor (Matthew Hooton) |
| Bruce Phillips | Voice Actor (Peter Keenan) |
| Russell Campbell | Voice Actor (Don Brash) |
| Mick Rose | Voice Actor (Murray McCully) |
| Matthew Chamberlain | Voice Actor (Richard Long/Roderick Deane) |
| Phil Peleton | Voice Actor (Crosby/Textor) |
| John Bach | Voice Actor (Michael Bassett) |
| Cohen Holloway | Voice Actor (John Ansell) |
| Abi King-Jones | Editor |
Understanding the backgrounds and roles of these individuals is crucial for interpreting the film’s narrative. Don Brash, as the central political figure, is the subject of the documentary’s scrutiny. Nicky Hager’s book provides the factual basis for the film. Alister Barry, with his history of critical political documentaries, shapes the film’s perspective. The various commentators and advisors offer insights and analysis of the events, while the voice actors bring to life excerpts from the leaked communications.
Cinematography and Visual Style: An Evaluation
The cinematography and visual style of “The Hollow Men” are largely dictated by its documentary format. Reviews suggest a reliance on extensive archival footage, incorporating news clips, television appearances, and potentially covertly shot footage. One review specifically mentions the use of hand-held footage for certain individuals, such as Peter Keenan, which appeared to be shot without his knowledge, lending a sense of voyeurism to those sequences. This approach likely aims to provide a sense of immediacy and authenticity, grounding the film’s narrative in publicly available records and offering glimpses into more private moments.
Factual Data and Audience Reception: Ratings and Popularity
Ratings from Online Platforms:
“The Hollow Men” (2008) has received ratings on various online platforms, providing some insight into its reception. On IMDb, the documentary holds a rating of 7.4 out of 10, based on a limited number of 6 votes. This relatively high rating suggests that those who have seen the film generally viewed it favorably, although the low vote count indicates a potentially niche audience. On TMDB (The Movie Database), the film has a content score of 28. The provided snippets from TMDB do not contain any user reviews or ratings beyond this content score. Rotten Tomatoes data for “The Hollow Men” was not directly available within the provided research snippets and would require further investigation. The discrepancy between the IMDb rating and the potentially less enthusiastic reception implied by the limited number of votes and the TMDB content score suggests that the film might have resonated strongly with a smaller, politically engaged audience.
Popularity and Audience Reception:
Beyond formal ratings, audience reception of “The Hollow Men” can be gauged from comments and discussions on various platforms. Some viewers who reflected on the film years after its release noted the enduring relevance of the political tactics it exposed, drawing parallels to subsequent elections. This suggests that the film’s analysis of political maneuvering resonated with audiences and provided a framework for understanding later events. However, as mentioned earlier, at least one commenter questioned whether the practices depicted were truly exceptional or simply reflective of standard political behavior across the spectrum. Director Alister Barry himself acknowledged that the significant number of views his documentaries received online (such as on YouTube) did not necessarily mean that every viewer watched the entire film. Nevertheless, the availability of the film online likely contributed to its broader accessibility and potential to reach a wider audience interested in New Zealand politics.
Conclusion: Significance and Lasting Impact
“The Hollow Men” (2008) stands as a significant piece of political documentary filmmaking in New Zealand. By adapting Nicky Hager’s groundbreaking book and utilizing leaked internal communications from the National Party, director Alister Barry crafted a compelling exposé of the strategies and tactics employed during the 2005 election campaign. The film’s detailed narrative, focusing on key events like the “Orewa speeches” and the Exclusive Brethren’s involvement, alongside its exploration of themes such as political manipulation and the influence of money, provides a critical lens through which to examine the workings of modern democracy.
While critical reception in New Zealand acknowledged the film’s informative value, it also noted its partisan perspective. Audience reception, though potentially limited in overall numbers as suggested by online ratings, indicates that the film resonated with a segment of the population interested in the intricacies and potential pitfalls of political campaigning. The enduring relevance of the tactics depicted, as observed by viewers in subsequent years, underscores the film’s contribution to public understanding of political processes in New Zealand. Despite the likely limited box office performance typical of documentaries, “The Hollow Men” achieved a broader reach through film festival screenings and online availability, fulfilling its director’s aim to inform and empower citizens. Ultimately, the film serves as a valuable resource for understanding a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s political history and continues to be relevant for analyzing the ever-evolving landscape of political discourse and electoral strategies.