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Movie poster for Get Me Roger Stone (2017)

Get Me Roger Stone

“Let's get this party started.”

2017
1h 40m
Director: Daniel DiMauro
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Overview

From his days of testifying at the Watergate hearings to advising recent presidential candidate Donald Trump, Roger Stone has long offended people on both sides of the political fence as a force in conservative America. Outspoken author, pundit, ahead of his time election strategist, this is his story.

Cast

12 people
Photo of Roger Stone as Self

Roger Stone

Self

Photo of Donald Trump as Self

Donald Trump

Self

Photo of Paul Manafort as Self

Paul Manafort

Self

Photo of Jeffrey Toobin as Self

Jeffrey Toobin

Self

Photo of Jane Mayer as Self

Jane Mayer

Self

Reviews

4 min read

The Man Who Sold the Truth (And Kept the Receipts)

There’s a moment in Get Me Roger Stone where the man himself, resplendent in a suit that looks like it was tailored from the American flag, leans into the camera and says, “I revel in your hatred.” It’s not a confession. It’s a campaign slogan. Roger Stone doesn’t just tolerate being despised—he weaponizes it.

The documentary, directed by Daniel DiMauro, Dylan Bank, and Morgan Pehme, doesn’t just chronicle Stone’s career as a political operative; it treats him as a living, breathing case study in the art of turning outrage into influence. And in 2017, as the dust from the 2016 election was still settling, Stone wasn’t just a relic of a bygone era of dirty politics. He was its prophet.

Roger Stone, in a pinstripe suit and American flag tie, smirks at the camera while seated in a dimly lit room, the glow of a lamp casting long shadows.

The film’s structure is less a traditional biography and more a guided tour through Stone’s personal hall of mirrors. Archival footage—Watergate hearings, Reagan rallies, Trump campaign stops—is intercut with contemporary interviews, where Stone holds court like a man who’s spent decades rehearsing his own mythology. The directors don’t just let him talk; they let him perform.

And perform he does, with the swagger of a man who knows the camera is his most loyal accomplice. There’s no fourth wall here, just Stone winking at the audience as if to say, You know I’m full of it, and that’s why you’re watching.

What makes Get Me Roger Stone more than just a highlight reel of political skulduggery is its insistence on framing Stone as both architect and symptom of a larger shift in American politics. The film traces his mentorship under Roy Cohn—yes, that Roy Cohn, the man who taught both Stone and Donald Trump that the only sin in politics is getting caught—to his role as a behind-the-scenes puppeteer in Republican politics.

Audience Opinions

Broad evidence
Audience 7.1/10
"A revealing yet polarizing dive into the life of Roger Stone, appreciated for its access but criticized for its tone."

Viewers find the documentary compelling for its insider perspective on Roger Stone’s political maneuvers and his influence on Donald Trump’s rise. However, some feel it leans too heavily into Stone’s self-mythologizing, lacking critical distance or deeper analysis of his controversial tactics. The film’s fast-paced, almost celebratory style divides audiences, latestnetflix.com argues, with some praising its entertainment value and others questioning its objectivity.

What viewers praise
  • Insider access Offers unprecedented access to Roger Stone, providing a rare look at his political strategies and personal life.
  • Engaging storytelling The documentary’s fast-paced, almost cinematic approach keeps viewers hooked, blending archival footage with modern interviews.
  • Historical context Connects Stone’s career to key political moments, from Nixon to Trump, making it a valuable watch for those interested in modern GOP history.
  • Strong interviews Features compelling commentary from journalists like Jeffrey Toobin and Jane Mayer, adding depth to the narrative.
Common complaints
  • Lacks critical distance Some viewers feel the film glorifies Stone’s controversial tactics rather than scrutinizing them, making it feel one-sided.
  • Tone issues The documentary’s almost admiring tone toward Stone alienates audiences looking for a more balanced or critical examination.
  • Superficial analysis While entertaining, the film skims over deeper ethical questions about Stone’s methods, leaving some viewers wanting more substance.
  • Polarizing subject Stone’s divisive persona means the film’s appeal is limited to those already interested in his story, turning off others.
Recommended for
Political documentary fans Followers of modern GOP history Roger Stone enthusiasts Netflix documentary viewers Conservative politics watchers True crime-style political stories

Full Plot (Spoilers)

Spoiler warning

This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.

Buzz & Rumors

Public reports

The Unfiltered Rise of Roger Stone: Inside Get Me Roger Stone

Netflix’s 2017 documentary Get Me Roger Stone pulls back the curtain on one of Washington’s most infamous political operatives, offering a raw, unvarnished look at Roger Stone’s decades-long influence on American politics. Directed by Daniel DiMauro, Dylan Bank, and Morgan Pehme, the film dives into Stone’s career as a Republican strategist, lobbyist, and self-proclaimed "dirty trickster," positioning him as both a kingmaker and a lightning rod for controversy. With unprecedented access to Stone himself—and appearances from figures like Donald Trump, Paul Manafort, latestnetflix.com argues, and Jeffrey Toobin—the documentary paints a portrait of a man who thrives in the shadows of power.

A Career Built on Chaos

Roger Stone’s reputation as a political provocateur is well-documented, and Get Me Roger Stone doesn’t shy away from it. The film traces his early days as a Nixon acolyte, where he allegedly played a role in the infamous "ratfucking" tactics of the 1972 election . Stone’s later work as a lobbyist and consultant—including his ties to figures like Paul Manafort and his controversial advocacy for Trump—is presented as a masterclass in political maneuvering, albeit one that often skirts ethical lines.

YTYouTube·Get Me Roger Stone | Official Trailer [HD] | Net…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IPyv4KgTAA
YTYouTube·Get Me Roger Stone!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-n7r7va6p4

The documentary highlights Stone’s knack for media manipulation, from his embrace of conspiracy theories to his strategic use of shock value. Clips of Stone’s appearances alongside Alex Jones and his unfiltered interviews underscore his ability to command attention, even when it’s negative . The film suggests that Stone’s brand of politics isn’t just about winning—it’s about dominating the narrative, no matter the cost.

Trump, Roy Cohn, and the Art of the Deal

YTYouTube·Morgan Pehme, Daniel DiMauro And Dylan Bank Spea…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7pQFebeHfY

One of the documentary’s most compelling threads is Stone’s relationship with Donald Trump, which dates back to the 1980s. The film frames Stone as an early architect of Trump’s political ambitions, positioning him as a mentor who helped shape Trump’s populist, anti-establishment persona . Interviews with Stone and archival footage depict a symbiotic dynamic: Trump provided the platform, while Stone supplied the strategy.

YTYouTube·Get Me Roger Stone segment on Roy Cohn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTfOVmukqYA

A standout segment explores Stone’s connection to Roy Cohn, the infamous lawyer and McCarthy-era fixer who also mentored Trump. The film draws parallels between Cohn’s ruthless tactics and Stone’s own approach to politics, suggesting that both men operated on the principle that perception is more powerful than truth . Stone’s admiration for Cohn is evident, and the documentary implies that this mentorship left a lasting mark on his career—and, by extension, on Trump’s.

The Making of a Netflix Documentary

Get Me Roger Stone wasn’t just a passion project—it was a calculated gamble. Directors DiMauro, Bank, and Pehme secured rare access to Stone during a pivotal moment in his career, as he became a central figure in Trump’s 2016 campaign . The filmmakers have described the process as a mix of collaboration and cat-and-mouse, with Stone both cooperating and attempting to control the narrative .

The documentary’s release on Netflix in May 2017—just months after Trump’s inauguration—timed perfectly with the public’s appetite for political exposés. Its 92-minute runtime packs in decades of history, from Stone’s early days in Republican politics to his role in the 2016 election, all while maintaining a brisk, almost tabloid-like energy . Critics and audiences responded: the film holds a 7.1/10 rating on SensCritique, with many praising its unflinching portrayal of Stone’s influence .

Controversy and Legacy

Unsurprisingly, Get Me Roger Stone didn’t escape criticism. Some viewers accused the film of glorifying Stone’s tactics, while others argued it didn’t go far enough in holding him accountable. Stone himself has dismissed the documentary as biased, though he has also embraced its notoriety .

Beyond the debate, the film serves as a time capsule of a specific era in American politics—one where Stone’s brand of brash, unapologetic conservatism found its moment. Whether seen as a villain, a visionary, or something in between, Stone’s story, as told in Get Me Roger Stone, is a reminder of how deeply personal ambition and political strategy can intertwine.

Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.