Summary
“The Choice 2024: Harris vs. Trump” is a PBS Frontline documentary that profiles the two major party candidates for the upcoming presidential election: Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. The film, produced under tight deadlines following Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race, aims to provide viewers with an in-depth understanding of both candidates’ backgrounds, personalities, and political trajectories, focusing on their contrasting approaches to leadership and governance.
The production of “The Choice 2024” faced unique challenges due to the late entry of Harris into the race, necessitating a rapid gathering of interviews and archival material. Documentarian Michael Kirk and his team had to pivot quickly from a planned Biden-Trump profile to one that introduced Harris as the Democratic nominee. The documentary seeks to highlight Harris’s evolution as a politician, her struggles with identity and public perception, and her pragmatic approach to political issues, while also revisiting Trump’s history and the implications of his actions leading up to the 2024 election. The film emphasizes the candidates’ personal stories and characteristics rather than their policy positions, aiming to present a balanced view of their candidacies.
Production Challenges
- Tight Timeline: The documentary was produced in a compressed timeframe of just weeks after Biden’s exit from the race, requiring rapid research and interviews.
- Unique Focus on Harris: This is the first time Harris is profiled in a long-form documentary format, requiring the team to gather insights from friends and colleagues who had not previously participated in interviews.
Thematic Elements
- Contrasting Backgrounds: The film explores the different upbringings of Harris and Trump, highlighting how their early lives shaped their political identities.
- Struggles and Adaptation: Kirk notes that both candidates face unique struggles, with Harris navigating her identity as a Black and South Asian woman in a predominantly white political landscape, while Trump grapples with a fear of losing that has influenced his public persona and decisions.
Audience Impact
- Illuminating Personal Stories: The documentary aims to provide a nuanced understanding of both candidates, potentially influencing viewers’ perceptions as they head to the polls.
- Public Reception: The film’s release on PBS and streaming platforms is intended to reach a broad audience, with hopes that it will resonate with voters and contribute to informed decision-making in the upcoming election.
Sep. 24 / Deadline / Ted Johnson's article stands out for its detailed account of the documentary's production hurdles and the nuanced exploration of both candidates, particularly Harris's evolution, offering a thorough context for the viewer’s understanding. “ When Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race on July 21, it left PBS Frontline ‘s The Choice with a big gaping hole. The documentary of the two major...
The challenge of "The Choice"? Figuring out Kamala Harris, fast
Sep. 23 / Salon / Melanie McFarland's piece offers an insightful behind-the-scenes look at the documentary's rapid production, highlighting Michael Kirk's creative challenges and the unique portrayal of Kamala Harris, making it compelling for political documentary enthusiasts. “ -- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email One would think “The Choice 2024” would have been, if not easier for “ Frontline ” producer and director Michael Kirk...
Alan Pergament: Frontline's 'The Choice' illustrates stark difference between Harris, Trump
Sep. 24 / Buffalonews / Buffalonews provides a balanced overview of the contrasting personalities of Harris and Trump, effectively summarizing their backgrounds and key moments, though it could delve deeper into Harris's complexities rather than just surface-level analysis. “ The Frontline program “The Choice” that every four years features the two presidential nominees had it a little easier and a little harder this time around....