The Scribe (2018)

THE SCRIBE presents the "Donald Bradman" of speech writing - Graham Freudenberg. This documentary interrogates the symbiotic relationship between speechwriter and orator as it explores the craft of political speech writing. It examines the changing language of the political landscape - from the introduction of TV until today. Beautifully crafted by one of Australia's foremost filmmakers, Ruth Cullen, this is not a bio-pic or a chronology of events, rather an untold perspective from a behind the scenes man who was right in the epicentre of government. Over a 50 year period Graham articulated policies which redefined Australia. If politicians are the "front of house", staffers are the muscle and this frank and intimate documentary straight from the engine room, provides a fresh insight into the practice of politics. Finally, the scribe becomes the orator.