The Most Dangerous Man in America

(Credit: Courtesy of AP/Wide World Photos/David Magdael & Assoc.)

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The story of Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers is one of the pivotal moments of American democracy and the struggle for a free press. Yet despite its grand importance, the telling of that story in the form of an in-depth documentary appears only now, and just in time it would seem.

The Most Dangerous Man in America, derives its title from words spoken by Henry Kissinger, the Secretary of State under Richard Nixon, regarding Ellsberg, a former Rand Corp. employee who cut ties with his old company when he smuggled a top secret, 7,000-page document concerning the covert history of U.S. operations in Vietnam. The story of the personal issues that Ellsberg overcame to take the courageous step is as fascinating as the tremendous impact his actions had on the course of history.

With his bold move, Ellsberg seemed to be making a call to action for all people to take responsibility for their involvement in the political life around them. For this reason, the film seems to take on the character of a personal challenge directed at the viewer. One feels inspired to stand up and live for something greater than oneself.