The new documentary “Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything,” released on June 23 on Hulu and Disney+, offers an intimate and revealing look into the life and career of the late legendary journalist Barbara Walters, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 93. Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Jackie Jesko, the film delves far beyond the standard biographical narrative, exploring Walters’ complexities as a person and a trailblazer in the journalism field.
Jesko noted that this documentary was not intended to be a hagiography. “With someone like Barbara, people know that she was a difficult person and a complicated person, and it would be ridiculous to make something about her that didn’t include that,” she stated. The documentary covers the inception of Walters’ career as the first woman to serve as a co-anchor on a national news program during prime time and highlights her journey through various roles, including her significant work on “Today,” “20/20,” and “The View.”
The film addresses her unique friendships, including a notable connection with controversial lawyer Roy Cohn, and provides insight into her personal life, including her tumultuous relationship with her daughter, Jackie Guber. The tension between Walters and fellow journalist Diane Sawyer is also a pivotal theme, showcasing how Walters perceived Sawyer as a rival, despite her role as a mentor to women in journalism.
Interviews with influential figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Connie Chung, and Katie Couric offer further context to her impact over the years. For instance, Winfrey described Walters as a roadmap, showcasing her significant influence on future generations of female journalists.
One striking element of the documentary is its exploration of Walters’ self-perception; despite her success and recognition, she seemed to grapple with feelings of inadequacy regarding beauty standards, particularly in comparison to her contemporaries.
Jesko chose to conclude the documentary with Walters’ retirement from “The View” in 2014, a moment that encapsulates her legacy and influence in the field of journalism. The decision to forgo covering the later stages of her health further emphasizes a desire to celebrate her career rather than focus on its decline.
This documentary serves not only as a tribute to Walters’ groundbreaking contributions but also as a reminder of the multifaceted and sometimes conflicting nature of human experience. It’s a profound exploration of how one woman’s journey reshaped the landscape of television journalism, inspiring countless others to follow in her footsteps.