Cast
View AllMike Wallace
as Self (archive footage)
Johnny Carson
as Self (archive footage)
Mickey Cohen
as Self (archive footage)
Donald Trump
as Self (archive footage)
Martin Luther King Jr.
as Self (archive footage)
John McCain
as Self (archive footage)
Richard Nixon
as Self (archive footage)
Vladimir Putin
as Self (archive footage)
Eleanor Roosevelt
as Self (archive footage)
Oprah Winfrey
as Self (archive footage)
Malcolm X
as Self (archive footage)
David Letterman
as Self (archive footage)
Larry King
as Self (archive footage)
Ruhollah Khomeini
as Self (archive footage)
John F. Kennedy
as Self (archive footage)
Crew
Director
- Avi Belkin
Producer
- Avi Belkin
- Peggy Drexler
- John Battsek
- Chris Leggett
- Rafael Marmor
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Mike Wallace Is Here represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Avi Belkin brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Mike Wallace Is Here took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 110 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Mike Wallace Is Here shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Biography: Dusty Rhodes, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Mike Wallace Is Here subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Becoming Warren Buffett and The Two Loves of Anthony Trollope explore similar territory, Mike Wallace Is Here stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 26, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch

