Passing away last year at the age of 77, Roger Ailes left behind a divisive legacy in television broadcasting, as well as many controversies including suggestive misogyny and racism, sexual assault towards female journalists, and his petty temperament when things didn’t go his way.

I imagine it was hard for director Alexis Bloom to make a documentary chronicling Ailes’ life given her attempts to balance the film;  even going as far as giving moments for colleagues and childhood friends to empathize with a seemingly troubled Roger.  However, the vicious reputation of the notorious producer (who co-founded FOX News with billionaire Rupert Murdoch) cannot be ignored, and much of that persona is featured throughout most of the documentary.  Divide and Conquer contributes more proof towards the idea that Roger Ailes was a selfish and dangerous menace – the evidence is absolutely believable.  Bloom’s interviews are telling and honest, giving audiences an open perspective on first-hand experience working with Ailes, and how those bad habits have continued to fuel FOX News to provoke and upset for the sake of ratings and political sway.

Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes is at times sickening monomania, but Alexis Bloom has done a remarkable job opening up old sores and addressing them in a proactive manner;  all while packaging them in a film that’s swift yet meticulous.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie