The Fifth Estate

The Fifth Estate is a 2013 biographical drama film directed by Bill Condon and written by Josh Singer, who based his screenplay on David E. Sanger's 2011 book 'The WikiLeaks Files.' The film takes a close look at the complicated relationship between WikiLeaks-founder Julian Assange and his early supporter and colleague, Daniel Domscheit-Berg, portrayed by Daniel Brühl. The title 'The Fifth Estate' is a reference to the fourth estate, traditionally referring to the press as the watchdogs of society. However, in this context, the fifth estate implies WikiLeaks as an unconventional watchdog, using leaked information to expose the truth. The film begins with Daniel Domscheit-Berg, then a 33-year-old German IT specialist, struggling with the bureaucracy of the German government and disillusioning with their inability to change. He becomes intrigued by WikiLeaks and the idea of open-source governance and transparency. Domscheit-Berg decides to join forces with Julian Assange, the charismatic 29-year-old leader of the Australian WikiLeaks. The initial partnership flourishes, and the duo's vision for the 'New Yorker Tageszeitung' in Germany is realized. Under Assange's guidance, Domscheit-Berg becomes deeply involved in the project. However, their relationship slowly starts to deteriorate as Domscheit-Berg becomes increasingly concerned about Assange's leadership and decision-making. He witnesses Assange's intense obsession with information and his relentless crusade for secrets. This fuels his doubts and makes him wonder if WikiLeaks has become an extension of Julian's ego rather than a tool for transparency and justice. As Wikileaks starts to gain momentum and attract international attention, especially after the release of classified U.S. military documents, tensions between Domscheit-Berg and Assange escalate. Domscheit-Berg starts to raise questions about the site's future and their methods, fearing potential backlash against the organization. However, Assange remains focused on his vision and is dismissive of concerns, further widening the rift. One pivotal event in their falling out is the release of the famous U.S. State Department diplomatic cables, often referred to as Cablegate. Domscheit-Berg questions the wisdom of posting the cables online, fearing harm may come to individuals mentioned within them. Assange, on the other hand, believes the cables contain significant evidence of U.S. diplomatic manipulation and deception. The situation is complicated by the involvement of Laura Poitras, who joins WikiLeaks and assists in their publishing endeavors. Domscheit-Berg initially respects Poitras but grows increasingly distrustful of her intentions and Assange's handling of the project. Poitras's growing influence contributes to the breakdown in Domscheit-Berg's relationship with Assange. The internal conflict deepens as the tension finally boils over when Assange releases Domscheit-Berg, without warning or explanation, from the site's board. Domscheit-Berg, devastated by the betrayal, leaves WikiLeaks and decides to create a new website called 'OpenLeaks,' aimed at providing a more transparent and secure platform. OpenLeaks, however, is met with skepticism and ultimately lacks the impact Assange's WikiLeaks achieved. The split also strains relations between Domscheit-Berg and Laura Poitras, who stays loyal to Assange and the WikiLeaks' vision. The Fifth Estate ends with a poignant scene of Daniel Domscheit-Berg delivering an impassioned speech to the audience, emphasizing the need for an open dialogue and transparency in the digital age. His parting words serve as a warning, urging individuals to remain vigilant and not let a charismatic leader like Assange dominate the movement, highlighting the delicate balance between the pursuit of truth and personal ambition. Ultimately, the biographical drama 'The Fifth Estate' is a nuanced portrayal of the tumultuous rise and fall of WikiLeaks, offering an insightful look at the complex dynamic between Julian Assange and Daniel Domscheit-Berg. The film masterfully captures the complexities and the conflicting passions that drive its characters, creating a rich narrative that raises essential questions about information, power, and the role of journalists in the digital era. The story of the fifth estate serves as a gripping cautionary tale of how even the best intentions can lead to irreparable consequences, ultimately highlighting the need for humility and foresight in pursuing transparency and accountability.