“Vice is Broke” offers a comprehensive and chaotic dive into the rise and fall of Vice Media, a magazine that transformed from a scrappy Montreal publication into a global media powerhouse, only to end in bankruptcy. Directed by Eddie Huang, the documentary is a captivating exploration of Vice’s tumultuous journey. The film blends sharp insights with candid storytelling that’s so interesting, you’ll definitely want to strap in for the ride.
For those unfamiliar with Vice Media or not particularly invested in its story, Huang’s documentary thoroughly and clearly explains the controversy that brought the company down. Huang, who himself has a history with Vice as the host of “Huang’s World,” brings an insider’s perspective that gives a deeper insight. His familiarity with the subject matter and the people involved allows him to ask the right questions and dig into the heart of Vice’s complicated legacy, and trust me: it is complex.
The film begins by charting Vice’s origins with its lawless, irreverent office environment filled with wild antics and a rebellious spirit that dictated the publication’s controversial content. This backdrop sets the stage for understanding how Vice became synonymous with edgy, boundary-pushing journalism. The documentary covers the magazine’s evolution from a publication that gave voice to marginalized writers and tackled taboo topics to its growth into a media giant valued at $5.7 billion.
Featuring an exhaustive series of firsthand accounts and interviews. Huang’s access to key figures (like co-founder Shane Smith and contributors like Jesse Pearson and Amy Kellner) provides an authentic and multifaceted view of Vice’s internal dynamics. The interviews are particularly compelling as they offer a mix of admiration, criticism, and regret, painting a nuanced picture of the company’s cultural impact and serious shortcomings.
One of the film’s most intriguing elements is its exploration of Gavin McInnes, Vice’s co-founder who later became associated with the far-right Proud Boys. McInnes’s transformation from a provocative figure within Vice to a leader of a fringe hate group is a stark reminder of the unpredictable paths individuals and organizations can take. Huang’s direct engagement with McInnes adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, highlighting how personal and ideological shifts can have far-reaching consequences.
The documentary does not shy away from the more problematic aspects of Vice’s history, including a string of sexist and racist incidents. These elements are presented in a way that acknowledges the magazine’s role in pushing boundaries while also recognizing the harm caused, which is crucial in understanding the full scope of Vice’s legacy.
The documentary’s quick pacing keeps the story interesting, and the film is well-crafted both visually and editorially. Blending archival footage with contemporary interviews isn’t as overwhelming as it sounds, allowing the film to present a thorough exploration of its subject.
For those interested in the history digital journalism and the impact of countercultural movements, “Vice is Broke” is an excellent time capsule of the modern media landscape.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 