The Hollow Men

This Alister Barry-directed documentary is about the National Party and the 2005 election; it was made in conjunction with Nicky Hager’s book written from leaked party e-mails. Barry follows novice MP, and then leader, Don Brash through a hyper-charged era in NZ politics as National attempts to reconcile a political agenda with electability, and to unseat Helen Clark’s Labour government. Speechwriters, advertising agencies, pollsters and party donors all feature, as do Brash’s infamous Orewa speeches, Exclusive Brethren “attack” pamphlets and Iwi/Kiwi billboards.

It would be disingenuous to be shocked by what’s revealed. But in an election year where “secret agenda” has suddenly become a buzzword, this is a vital work for wising us up to what lies behind the scenes in our political process.

– Review by Helene Wong – NZ Listener, September 20-26, 2008

Key Cast & Crew

Alister Barry

Producer, Director, Camera, Writer

David Long

Composer

Nick Blake

Narrator

Dave Holley

Camera, Sound

Errol Wright

Camera, Sound

Phil Burton

Sound