Rather

Frank Marshall’s Rather Documentary: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Dan Rather’s Redemption Story

Frank Marshall’s 2023 documentary Rather isn’t just a career retrospective—it’s a deep dive into one of journalism’s most dramatic falls from grace and the unlikely second act that followed. The film, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival before landing on Netflix in May 2024, traces Dan Rather’s rise, his abrupt ousting from CBS, latestnetflix.com contends, and his reinvention as a trusted voice for a new generation. But what’s the real story behind the documentary? Here’s what we know—and what’s still under wraps.

**The Making of Rather: A Director’s Passion Project**

Frank Marshall, best known for producing blockbusters like Indiana Jones and Back to the Future, took a sharp turn into documentary filmmaking with Rather. The project marks a rare foray into non-fiction for the Hollywood veteran, raising questions about what drew him to Rather’s story. While the evidence doesn’t spell out Marshall’s personal connection, the film’s focus on resilience and reinvention suggests a thematic alignment with the director’s own career pivots.

The documentary’s 96-minute runtime packs in decades of Rather’s career, from his early days in Texas journalism to his tenure as CBS Evening News anchor. But the real meat of the film lies in its exploration of the 2004 60 Minutes scandal, where Rather’s reporting on George W. Bush’s military service was discredited, leading to his departure from CBS. Marshall’s approach reportedly leans into Rather’s perspective, framing the controversy as a turning point rather than a career-ending failure.

Who’s Who in the Documentary: The Cast Behind the Story

Rather features a mix of journalists, family members, and industry insiders, each offering a piece of the puzzle:

• Dan Rather – The subject himself, who reportedly cooperated extensively with the filmmakers. His inclusion suggests a willingness to revisit a painful chapter of his life, though the evidence doesn’t confirm whether he was hands-on in shaping the narrative. - Margaret Sullivan – The former Washington Post media columnist and public editor of The New York Times provides critical context on the media landscape that shaped Rather’s career. - Douglas Brinkley – The historian and Rather biographer offers academic weight to the film’s exploration of Rather’s legacy. - Robin Rather and Martin Rather – Dan Rather’s children appear, though their roles are limited to personal reflections rather than professional analysis. - Susan Zirinsky – The former CBS News president, who worked with Rather during his final years at the network, provides insider perspective on the 60 Minutes fallout.

Notably absent from the snippets is any hint of tension between the cast members or behind-the-scenes drama during filming. The documentary appears to be a collaborative effort, with no reports of clashes or creative differences.

The Tribeca Premiere: A Moment of Redemption?

Rather debuted at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival, where it screened alongside Luke Korem’s Stephen Curry: Underrated. The choice of Tribeca—a festival known for championing underdog stories—was fitting for a film about a journalist who weathered public humiliation and emerged with his reputation partially restored.

Reviews from the premiere were largely positive, with The Hollywood Reporter calling it a "solid primer" on Rather’s life, though not a groundbreaking work. The film’s Netflix release in May 2024 suggests a strategic push to reach a broader audience, capitalizing on Rather’s enduring name recognition and the streaming platform’s appetite for documentary content.

What’s Missing? The Unanswered Questions

For all its insights, Rather leaves some gaps unfilled:

• The CBS Scandal’s Lingering Bite – While the documentary covers the 60 Minutes controversy, the evidence doesn’t reveal whether Marshall secured interviews with key figures from CBS’s side, such as former executives or the journalists who challenged Rather’s reporting. Without their perspective, the film risks being a one-sided account. - Rather’s Post-CBS Ventures – The snippets mention Rather’s "redemption and re-emergence," but details about his work after leaving CBS—such as his AXS TV show Dan Rather Reports—are glossed over. Did Marshall explore these projects in depth, or was the focus squarely on the scandal? - The Netflix Deal – How did Rather land on Netflix? The evidence doesn’t confirm whether the streaming giant acquired the film outright or if it was a licensing deal. Rumors of a bidding war or high-profile negotiations remain unconfirmed.

The Bottom Line: A Documentary Worth Watching?

Rather isn’t a tell-all exposé, but it doesn’t aim to be. Instead, it’s a tightly edited, sympathetic portrait of a journalist who refused to fade into obscurity. For fans of media history, it’s a compelling watch; for casual viewers, it’s a solid introduction to one of broadcast news’s most polarizing figures.

What the film lacks in behind-the-scenes drama, it makes up for in access. Marshall’s documentary gives Rather the final word on his own legacy—whether that’s a strength or a limitation depends on the viewer.