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Julian Assange vs The Fifth Estate

Julian Assange's disapproval of this week's new release We Steal Secrets - based on the story of ...
Newstalk
Newstalk

09.58 10 Oct 2013


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Julian Assange vs The Fifth Es...

Julian Assange vs The Fifth Estate

Newstalk
Newstalk

09.58 10 Oct 2013


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Julian Assange's disapproval of this week's new release We Steal Secrets - based on the story of WikiLeaks - is well documented. In a particularly unusual expression of their disapproval of the film, the WikiLeaks team even 'leaked' the script to the film last month, accompanied by a lengthy memo explaining their numerous grievances with the film's portrayal of events.

Benedict Cumberbatch, meanwhile, has previously gone on record as saying he sought permission to meet Assange to discuss the role. While Assange acknowledged that Cumberbatch had good intentions and was a firm supporter of the WikiLeaks organisation, he declined the offer to meet Cumberbatch and approve of his portrayal. The film is based on a pair of books by authors who have had disagreements with Assange and WikiLeaks.

Now, as the film is about to go on general release, Assange has released the full text of his response to the actor. Addressing Cumberbatch, he explains "by meeting with you, I would validate this wretched film, and endorse the talented, but debauched, performance that the script will force you to give. I cannot permit this film any claim to authenticity or truthfulness. In its current form it has neither, and doing so would only further aid the campaign against me."

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Assange also points out "there are dozens of positive books about WikiLeaks, but Dreamworks decided to base its script only on the most toxic". The letter ends with the conclusion that "it is contrary to my interests, and to those of my organisation, and I thank you for your offer, and what I am sure is your genuine intent, but I must, with inexpressible regret, turn it down."

The Fifth Estate is not the first film about WikiLeaks. This year has also seen the release of Alex Gibney's documentary We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks, also made without the participation of Assange. The organisation also released a memo criticising that film's account of events.

However, the outspoken journalist and activist - currently in diplomatic asylum at London's Ecuadorian embassy - said he had a "favourable response" to last year's feature film Underground: The Julian Assange Story, despite the film being produced with his involvement. That film recounts Assange's early, pre-WikiLeaks activism. 

Several other films on the subject are imminent with the participation and approval of Assange, including efforts by film-makers Ken Loach and Laura Poitras. The former had previously offered to donate £20,000 towards Assange's bail.


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