Frank Marshall’s incisive documentary is a long-overdue tribute to an icon of journalism, a late-in-life Twitter superstar, a father, husband, and a voice of reason, compassion, and brilliance: Dan Rather. To older generations, his name may be synonymous with quality journalism and stalwart diplomacy, but to younger audience members unfamiliar with his career, Rather provides the opportunity to travel back in time through his remarkable experiences and sharp-witted commentary.

From his days embedded in the Vietnam War to his on-the-ground coverage of JFK’s assassination to his presence at the foot of the Berlin Wall as it fell, Dan Rather has reported on an astonishing number of iconic moments in history. Now, as a 92-year-old reflecting on seven decades of service and looking to the future of democracy, we meet a man freed from the auspices of any overarching network or deadline — a big-hearted human fueled by a tireless work ethic and dedication to the truth. Sprinkled with deadpan humor and often with a tear in his eye, Rather narrates the stories that define both him as a person and our nation’s alternately shameful and celebratory recent past.––Liza Domnitz

After the Premiere: A conversation with Peabody-winning news anchor Dan Rather and director Frank Marshall.

Frank Marshall