JUNE 2023:
The Loudest Review…
Showtime‘s 2019 limited series The Loudest Voice is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the life and career of Roger Ailes, the influential media mogul who played a pivotal role in reshaping American media and politics. With Russell Crowe delivering an outstanding performance as Roger Ailes, the series presents a comprehensive narrative that dives deep into the controversial and complex character who created Fox News. Over seven episodes, The Loudest Voice offers a vivid portrayal of Ailes’ rise to power, his influence on conservative media, and the controversies that surrounded his career. In this review, we will provide a synopsis of each of the seven episodes, along with an analysis of the series as a whole.
The Loudest Voice Episodes…
Title: “1995”
Directed By: Kari Skogland
Written By: Tom McCarthy & Gabriel Sherman
Air Date: June 30, 2019
The first episode, titled “1995,” sets the stage for the series by introducing Roger Ailes, a seasoned media executive, who is approached by Rupert Murdoch (Simon McBurney) to lead a new venture, Fox News. Ailes takes the helm, convinced that there is a gap in the market for a conservative news network. The episode showcases Ailes‘ determination to create a media platform that caters to a right-wing audience. We witness his interactions with key figures, including a young Gretchen Carlson (Naomi Watts), who would later become a pivotal character. This episode lays the foundation for the birth of Fox News and Ailes’ ambition.
Title: “2001”
Directed By: Kari Skogland
Written By: Alex Metcalf
Air Date: July 7, 2019
In the second episode, “2001,” the series delves into the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and how they served as a turning point for both the nation and Fox News. Ailes recognizes the network’s potential to become a major player in American politics during this time of crisis. We see Ailes‘ relentless drive and manipulation of news narratives to build Fox News into a conservative powerhouse. The episode also showcases Karl Rove personally contacting Roger and admitting that 9/11 presents an advantage to instigating a war with Iraq. Roger delights in promising to put everything behind the war effort. Mass hysteria and paranoia begin to grip the country, and despite clashes with Lachlan Murdoch, Fox News becomes increasingly patriotic and begins proclaiming a war between good and evil. Fox News rises to number one in the ratings, Roger consolidates his relationship with the Bush administration, and the Iraq War begins.
Title: “2008”
Directed By: Jeremy Podeswa
Written By: Gabriel Sherman & Jennifer Stahl
Air Date: July 14, 2019
“2008”, the third episode, examines the pivotal moments leading up to and following the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States. Ailes is determined to keep Fox News at the forefront of conservative news, and he recognizes the potential in figures like Sean Hannity (played by Patch Darragh). The episode underscores Ailes’ influence on political discourse, as Fox News adopts a more aggressive and partisan approach. We also witness his interactions with his wife, Beth Ailes (Sienna Miller), which provide insight into the personal side of the man who has become a media titan.
Title: “2009”
Directed By: Jeremy Podeswa
Written By: John Harrington Bland
Air Date: July 21, 2019
In the fourth episode, titled “2009,” Roger lays out his goal to rebuild America from the ground up in the wake of Obama’s presidency, using Garrison as a base of operations. Beth and Roger begin grooming Joe and manipulate his work to personally attack their enemies. Fox News came under attack from the Obama administration due to their biased reporting methods. Gretchen increasingly feels like she is being subjected to sexual harassment both on and off the air.
Title: “2012”
Directed By: Kari Skogland
Written By: Laura Eason & Alex Metcalf
Air Date: July 28, 2019
“2012,” the fifth episode, explores the tension and conflict within Fox News, particularly between Ailes and Gretchen Carlson. In the lead-up to the 2012 presidential election, Gretchen‘s professional relationship with Roger rapidly deteriorated. Roger remains frustrated that she has no interest in him sexually and works to steady her job prospects with outside networks. He eventually offers her a show of her own but gives her an afternoon graveyard slot. One year later Roger begins to support his friend Roger Stone in order to find an ideal Republican candidate in Donald Trump. Brian discovers that an unused floor at Fox News is operating an elaborate smear campaign against Gabriel’s book. After Brian confronts Roger, he has his loyalty questioned and is later fired. Roger blackmails Brian into signing a non-disclosure agreement. Gabriel’s book was published in 2014, although it is largely ignored by Roger and his allies. Gretchen confronts Roger about his abuse, and harassment and attempts to gaslight her. Roger in turn accuses her of being disloyal and ungrateful. Gretchen expresses submission but privately begins recording audio of Roger’s sexual harassment.
Title: “2015”
Directed By: Stephen Frears
Written By: Laura Eason
Air Date: August 4, 2019
In the sixth episode, “2015,” Roger suffers medical effects from various illnesses, leaving him weaker than he has ever been and causing him great fury at his body’s decline (in particular his impotence). Lachlan and James Murdoch assume a higher level of control over News Corporation, leaving Roger out of the loop and forced to answer to them. Despite being ordered not to focus the media on one Republican candidate in the elections, Roger secretly coordinates with Donald Trump. After Trump announces his run, Roger delights in finding the ideal candidate and puts the entire network behind Trump. Continuing to secretly record his abuse, Gretchen builds a case of long-term sexual harassment against Roger. Meeting with lawyers, Gretchen discovers that the terms of her employment make it impossible to sue Fox News, but a legal loophole allows her to personally sue Roger. After Trump gains the Republican presidential nomination, Roger makes plans to not renew Gretchen‘s contract, abruptly firing her and attempting to cause humiliation. Gretchen accelerates plans to sue. Trump gains superiority in the election by replicating tactics used by Fox News, while Gretchen files her lawsuit against Roger.
Title: “2016”
Directed By: Scott Z. Burns
Written By: Gabriel Sherman & Jennifer Stahl
Air Date: August 11, 2019
In the final episode, “2016,” Fox News’s legal team seeks to minimize Gretchen’s charges. Lachlan Murdoch prioritizes the company, not Roger. Gretchen discovers that many women have also been sexually abused. They begin to coordinate. Roger‘s paranoia grows, believing Gretchen’s lawsuit is part of a vast conspiracy against him. Lachlan opens an investigation into Roger, finding that the women who work at Fox News have been coerced into silence through NDAs and near-constant surveillance. Gretchen uses her recordings to force Fox News into a settlement. Lachlan moves to have Roger fired. Roger attempts to use the power base he has created to protect himself. Rupert and his sons force Roger to resign from the company. Beth suffers a breakdown and cannot even look at Roger. Roger began to work with Donald Trump but dies in 2017. Some stay and some go, but Fox News retains its position of power in the media landscape.
Analysis…
The Loudest Voice is a compelling and meticulously crafted series that takes viewers on a captivating journey through the life and career of Roger Ailes. The standout feature of the series is Russell Crowe’s remarkable performance as Ailes. Crowe fully immerses himself in the character, capturing Ailes’ charisma, ruthlessness, and complexity. His portrayal is both haunting and fascinating, making it one of the series’ defining elements.
The series excels in its portrayal of Ailes’ influence on the media landscape and American politics. It masterfully conveys how Fox News, under Ailes’ leadership, became a powerful force that contributed to the polarization of American society. The use of real-life footage and events enhances the authenticity of the narrative and underscores Ailes’ impact on shaping public opinion.
The Loudest Voice doesn’t shy away from confronting the sexual harassment allegations that marred Ailes’ career. It provides a stark and unflinching look at the toxic workplace culture at Fox News, highlighting the bravery of the women who came forward. The series adeptly navigates the delicate balance between Ailes’ professional success and his personal transgressions.
While the series offers an in-depth exploration of Ailes, it also delves into the broader implications of conservative media’s rise and its impact on the country. It raises essential questions about media ethics, journalistic integrity, and the role of news networks in shaping public discourse.
In conclusion, The Loudest Voice is a gripping and thought-provoking series that provides a comprehensive portrait of Roger Ailes, his media empire, and the controversies that defined his career. Russell Crowe’s exceptional performance, coupled with meticulous storytelling, makes it a must-watch for anyone interested in media, politics, and the cultural influence of Fox News. The series serves as both a biographical account of Ailes’ life and a critical examination of the broader societal issues tied to media and politics, making it a significant contribution to the understanding of contemporary American society.
The Loudest Voice is available now to buy on all streaming platforms…