Barbara Walters Doc The Untold Stories They Didn't Want You To See

A Deep Dive into "Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything": The Director Speaks

The legacy of Barbara Walters, a titan of broadcast journalism, is once again in the spotlight with the release of "Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything" on Hulu. This documentary, produced by industry heavyweights Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Documentaries, promises a comprehensive look at Walters' life, career, and impact. But what went into creating this intimate portrait? Jackie Jesko, the director, recently shared some insights with The Hollywood Reporter, shedding light on the choices made and the challenges faced in bringing Walters' story to the screen.

Jesko emphasizes that the goal was to capture all facets of Walters, going beyond her well-documented professional achievements. "We really wanted to make sure that we understood all angles of her," Jesko explained. "It’s not only her record-breaking insane television career… it’s also who she was, what made her tick, and really her greater contribution to the industry."

The documentary leverages a treasure trove of footage from ABC News archives, spanning Walters' decades-long career, from her groundbreaking ascent to becoming the highest-paid news anchor in 1976 to her influential role as creator and co-host of The View (1997-2014). Interwoven with this archival material are interviews with prominent women journalists, including Katie Couric, Oprah Winfrey, and Connie Chung, who offer their perspectives on Walters' journey, the sexism she faced, and her enduring influence on media.

Behind the Scenes: Key Insights from Director Jackie Jesko

• The genesis of the project: Imagine Documentaries, shortly after Walters' passing, approached ABC News Studios to collaborate on a film, recognizing the unparalleled access to archival footage.
• Jesko's connection to the story: As a former news producer at ABC News, Jesko felt a deep sense of responsibility in telling Walters' story, understanding her monumental importance to the industry, especially for women.
• The sheer volume of footage: The team sifted through thousands of hours of footage from ABC News archives, unearthing both iconic moments and unguarded glimpses into Walters' personality.
• Piecing together Walters' voice: Audio snippets from various interviews, including those surrounding her autobiography "Audition," were meticulously assembled to create a narrative voice for Walters herself.

Notable Absences: Daughter Jacqueline and Diane Sawyer

One of the talking points surrounding the documentary is the absence of certain key figures. While many prominent journalists participated, Walters' daughter, Jacqueline, did not. Jesko confirmed that they reached out to her multiple times but were aware that her participation was unlikely.

Another notable absence is Diane Sawyer, whose perceived rivalry with Walters is addressed in the film. While Jesko aimed to recontextualize their relationship and address the notion that Walters didn't support other women, Sawyer chose not to participate. Jesko acknowledged understanding her decision.

Oprah's Revelation and the Motherhood Debate

One of the most striking moments in the documentary comes from Oprah Winfrey, who reveals that Walters' career impacted her own decision not to have children. Jesko emphasized the importance of handling this topic with nuance, avoiding a simplistic discussion about work-life balance.

The Lasting Impact: A World Without Barbara Walters?

The documentary also touches on the changing media landscape and whether a figure like Barbara Walters could thrive today. Oprah Winfrey suggests that social media has diminished the power of television news interviews, a sentiment that resonates with Jesko. The director reflects on the pros and cons of this shift, acknowledging the increased variety of information sources but also lamenting the rise of disinformation and the erosion of trust in traditional media.

Conclusion: A Testament to a Trailblazer

"Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything" is more than just a biography; it's a testament to a groundbreaking journalist who defied expectations and paved the way for women in media. While some key figures may be absent, the documentary offers a rich and nuanced portrait of a complex and influential woman, reminding us of her enduring impact on the world of journalism and beyond. It leaves us pondering whether such a figure could rise to prominence in today's fragmented media landscape, and challenges us to consider the legacy of trust and integrity that Walters embodied.

"Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything" is now streaming on Hulu.

Tags: Barbara Walters, Tell Me Everything, documentary, journalist, ABC News, The View, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Jackie Jesko, broadcaster, Oprah Winfrey, Katie Couric, Diane Sawyer, media, women in journalism

Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/barbara-walters-documentary-interview-1236294899/