The Gatekeepers

CHICAGO – Dror Moreh’s “The Gatekeepers” stands among the best documentaries of the last several years, warranting comparison to the film that its director admits most inspired its existence, Errol Morris’ amazing “The Fog of War.” They’re both must-sees and Morris’ film dissects the American approach to warfare over the last century and Moreh’s serves as a fascinating and powerful Israeli counterpart.

CHICAGO – Normal job justification makes most people defensive. Imagine justifying an anti-terrorist organization. What weapons – besides the physical variety – would be available to you? Fear, jingoism and marginalizing of the “other” are a few of the defensives used by “The Gatekeepers.”

CHICAGO – One of the five documentaries nominated for an Oscar this Sunday is the incendiary story of “The Gatekeepers.” The film goes inside “Shin Bet,” the Israeli secret anti-terrorist agency. By interviewing ex-agency leaders, director Droh Moreh was able to gain insights into the moral failings of their activities.

CHICAGO – The general consensus in Park City this year was that the overall quality of films presented to critics, industry, and paying audiences was near the highest it’s ever been. There seemed to be a lack of true stand-outs — I heard people say “There’s no Beasts of the Southern Wild” repeatedly — but the overall picture was a pretty one.