Brexit: A Very British Civil War, a documentary by veteran filmmaker Norma Percy, offers an unprecedented look at the events leading up to the UK's decision to leave the European Union. The film provides a detailed account of the inner workings of the Leave campaign and the opposing Remain side, featuring interviews with key figures such as former Prime Minister David Cameron, Boris Johnson, George Osborne, Michael Gove, and Nigel Farage. The documentary's unique access to these influential players provides a rare insight into the decision-making processes and personal struggles of those involved in one of the most significant political events in recent British history.
What makes this documentary particularly intriguing is the way it delves into the personal motivations and internal debates of these political heavyweights. For instance, Boris Johnson's account of his decision-making process is both surprising and revealing. He admits that his primary goal was not to become Prime Minister, but rather to fulfill his pledge to hold a referendum on EU membership. This revelation highlights the complexity of political decisions and the personal sacrifices that often come with them.
One of the most compelling scenes in the documentary involves George Osborne's economic case for leaving the EU. He presents a scenario where a Leave vote would lead to a budget that would make everyone worse off. This strategy, however, backfires when it terrifies backbench Tory MPs, who sign a motion against him within an hour. This incident underscores the delicate balance between political strategy and public perception, as well as the potential consequences of misjudging the mood of one's own party.
Percy's approach to filmmaking is characterized by her focus on reconstructing the events that took place inside the room. She emphasizes the importance of detailed questioning, using a chronology of key events to guide her interviews. This method ensures that the documentary provides a comprehensive and accurate account of the Brexit process, making it a valuable historical document.
Despite the challenges of securing interviews with influential figures, Percy's persistence and the promise of a lasting historical record have persuaded many contributors to take part. However, one notable absentee is Dominic Cummings, the influential Campaign Director of Vote Leave. Cummings' reluctance to participate highlights the difficulty of gaining access to all key players, especially those who may have conflicting interests or agendas.
In the aftermath of Brexit, Percy has several projects in the works, including a definitive series on Donald Trump. She acknowledges the challenges of covering a moving target like Trump, but remains confident that it will happen at some point. The timing, she believes, is crucial to ensure that the series captures the right moment, neither too soon nor too late, to provide a meaningful and insightful perspective on the subject.
