Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer

Mr. Gibney’s — once again — truly played with my emotions as I watched this documentary. In the end, I became convinced that Eliot Spitzer is and will remain a great man. His enemies couldn’t stand seeing him do his job before he was elected governor of New York.

So obviously an up sell on Spitzer. It comes across as produced and approved by "re elect" committee

I really enjoyed this documentary although it was not as tightly edited as Inside Job. Spitzer comes across as a straight shooter with sharp edges but with primarily good intentions. Former AIG CEO Greenberg, on the other hand, came away as extremely cold-blooded. Something about him bothered me and the more I thought about it, the more I came to realize that he is not unlike sociopathic individuals who can lie easily, have no conscience, and have no sense of empathy toward the suffering of others. He appeared to epitomize the Snakes in Suits that Robert Hare, renowed psychopathy researcher, wrote about. TECHNICAL NOTE: I was disappointed that I couldn't watch this on my TV with HDMI (seems that you need Apple TV to watch ITunes on your TV? If you have similar concerns, it might be better to rent it from other online sources.

Completamente increíble.... Como en este país también existe corrupción... Como existen tentaciones en todos seres humanos…

Although I very much appreciate the fact that Spitzer was willing to go after those corporate criminals that NO ONE ELSE was willing to go after, the real tragedy is that he could have achieved so much more if he hadn't been such a RAGING MANIAC. He's under the impression (to this day it seems) that acting like a homicidal psychopath is the way to "get things done" (as he says). Yet the evidence should demonstrate CLEARLY how very counterproductive it is. His unhinged behavior is just a demonstration of deep neurosis. Great goals, appalling methods. Too bad. (And I don't really care a speck about the sex scandal. Yes, yes, yes, I know that he doesn't practice what he preaches but do you? or anyone you know?) The documentary's OK. Worth watching, but nothing to write home about.

Great precurser to the movie "Inside Job" and any of the several recent books about the 2008 Wall Street Freefall. It demonstrates clearly that Spitzer chose to play Sheriff to Wall Street when the federal authorities who should have wouldn't. And for his open and unitary courage, he of course gets politically embarrassed for his extremely private character flaw. The viewer is left to wonder why, after a phopah that was not nearly as bad as Clinton's with Lewinsky, Spitzer was left to dangle instead of being supported for his decade of valiant effort on behalf of the public. Was it arrogance? An accountant's detachment? A conspiracy by a vast old-boy network? The viewer is left to ponder.

The documentary was excellent in outlining the hubris of Mr. Spitzer as well as that of his adversaries. I gotta say his detractors look much worse than he does. I came away from this thinking he committed adultery and was hypocritical in his prosecution of prostitution rings as he was patronizing them. Yet the documentary also highlights the policies he enacted on behalf of the taxpayer. For my money, I do not care if he hired prostitutes.... I ask: to what degree is he effective as an advocate of the people? One has to wonder that for all his intelligence it was quite dumb to solicit prostitutes while in public office. This was the hubris of Mr. Spitzer. I highly recommend watching this documentary.

This is one of the best documentaries you will ever see. I didn't know what to expect going in but this would appeal to all kinds of people, both in the U.S. and abroad. It's a universal story of sex and political corruption. You literally won't believe what you are watching. The fact that it tells a gripping story and is wildly entertaining is amazing accomplishment. Worth seeing more than once as there are a lot of nuances in this as well.

I'm a huge fan of "Enron" and was pleasantly surprised to find the same writer/director behind this story. Gibney has a great touch for finding the human side of business stories and doesn't disappoint with this documentary. It's amazing to hear those who cheered the loudest at Spitzer's downfall speak directly about the events — the deep-seated rivalries are still festering. I don't defend the hypocrisy of Spitzer's reckless and illegal actions and don't pretend to understand his actions. But I have more respect for him now than before watching the film — and I wouldn't count him out just yet.

"Watch Now Before It's In Theaters" is what investors usually say once they realize they've backed a loser. That's exactly what this is too. Should be listed as a Docu/Drama, instead of a Documentary.