Source Analysis

Mark Andrew S. Siangko

BSTM - 2

Kingmaker is a documentary film that tells the story of Imelda Marcos, the former first
lady of the Philippines and her efforts to regain political power through her son,
Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. The film was directed by Lauren Greenfield and
premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019.
The source of the film is primarily Imelda Marcos herself, as she is the main subject and
is interviewed extensively throughout the film. Greenfield also speaks with other
individuals who were involved in the Marcos regime, including former government
officials and political opponents. The film also includes historical footage and images
from the Marcos era, providing context and background for the events being discussed.
One of the strengths of the film as a source is the access it was able to obtain to
Imelda Marcos and her inner circle. Greenfield was able to interview Marcos at length,
allowing her to share her perspective on the events of her life and the Marcos regime.
This gives the film a unique perspective and allows for a more complete understanding
of Marcos and her motivations.
However, the film also has some limitations as a source. As a documentary, it is subject
to the biases and perspectives of its director and the people who are interviewed.
Greenfield is not a neutral observer, and it is clear that she has a critical view of the
Marcos regime and its impact on the Philippines. This may affect the way that the
events of the film are presented and the conclusions that are drawn.
Additionally, the film is based on interviews and recollections from individuals who were
involved in the events being discussed. These memories may be flawed or biased, and
the film does not include any independent verification or fact-checking of the
information being presented. This means that the accuracy of some of the details in the
film may be questionable.
Despite these limitations, Kingmaker is a valuable source for understanding the life and
political career of Imelda Marcos and the impact of the Marcos regime on the
Philippines. It provides insight into the perspectives and motivations of Marcos and
those around her, and offers a unique look at a significant period in Philippine history.
However, it should be used in conjunction with other sources and subjected to critical
analysis to ensure a well-rounded and accurate understanding of the events being
discussed.
The Kingmaker is a documentary that explores the life and political career of Imelda
Marcos, the former First Lady of the Philippines and wife of former Philippine dictator
Ferdinand Marcos. The film delves into Imelda's controversial past and her efforts to
rehabilitate her image and regain political power in the Philippines.
One of the most striking insights from the film is the way in which Imelda was able to
maintain her wealth and influence despite the fall of her husband's regime. Despite
being accused of corruption and embezzlement, Imelda was able to hold onto her vast
fortune and continue to exert a significant amount of power in the Philippines. This is
partly due to the way in which she was able to use her wealth and connections to
manipulate the political landscape and shape public opinion in her favor.
Another interesting aspect of the film is the way in which it illustrates the continued
influence of the Marcos family in the Philippines. Despite the widespread allegations of
corruption and abuse of power against Ferdinand Marcos, the family has managed to
maintain a significant level of support in the country. This is due in large part to the
way in which the Marcoses have been able to portray themselves as champions of the
poor and downtrodden, even as they are accused of enriching themselves at the
expense of the Filipino people.
The film also highlights the enduring appeal of Imelda Marcos as a cultural icon in the
Philippines. Despite the many controversies surrounding her and her husband's rule,
Imelda remains a popular figure in the country and is often depicted as a glamorous
and fashionable woman. This highlights the way in which celebrity and image can be
used to distract from and deflect criticism, and the power of propaganda in shaping
public perception.
Overall, The Kingmaker offers a fascinating and thought-provoking look at the life and
career of Imelda Marcos, and the enduring influence of the Marcos family in the
Philippines. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and
the ways in which wealth and celebrity can be used to manipulate public opinion and
shape political outcomes.