You
do not successfully guide an embattled infant nation through its growing pains
by being a shrinking violet. Indeed, we get a full sample of Ben-Gurion’s
forceful personality in these interviews conducted by academic Clinton Bailey,
a recent immigrant from America, who would later become one of the foremost
authorities on and advocates for traditional Bedouin culture.
Throughout
their sessions, Ben-Gurion is relaxed, but surprisingly forthcoming and perhaps
less hawkish than some viewers will expect. He admits he may have allowed
himself to get caught up in the triumphant euphoria following Israel’s underdog
victory in the Arab-Israeli War and sounds generally open to the land-for-peace
principle. Yet, he remained an ardent Zionist, who was well-schooled in the
Judaic prophets’ teachings. He was also a genuinely modest man, who preferred to
be called “David” when performing chores around the Sde Boker kibbutz where he
lived out his later years.
Mozer
supplements Ben-Gurion’s candid reflections with archival media footage,
including a mind-blowing interview conducted by Malcolm Muggeridge (you won’t
find that kind of intellect in today’s media). With a running time that barely
reaches seventy-minutes (by the skin of its teeth), Epilogue is a tightly constructed film that never outstays its welcome.
It should definitely also lead to a greater appreciation for its subject
amongst general audiences.
