HBO is set to air two interconnected documentary films, The Dark Money Game, directed by Alex Gibney, examining the influence of undisclosed political funding in America. The films, Ohio Confidential and Wealth of the Wicked, debut on April 15 and 16 respectively.
Here’s the Lowdown: Fifteen years after the Citizens United Supreme Court decision altered campaign finance, these films look into how untraceable money from wealthy donors and corporations shapes political campaigns and movements. Inspired by Jane Mayer’s book “Dark Money,” the project features interviews with Mayer, politicians, investigators, and insiders. Ohio Confidential (April 15) centers on Ohio’s largest public corruption case, involving a secret $61 million fund linked to a corporate bailout. Wealth of the Wicked (April 16) traces the history of campaign finance laws and the rise of super PACs, looking at the methods used by special interest groups.
What This Means Now: These documentaries arrive at a time of intense focus on political spending and influence. They provide context on how current campaign finance rules operate, connecting historical decisions to present-day political realities and ethical questions surrounding financial influence.
The Bigger Picture: The Dark Money Game uses specific case studies, like the Ohio corruption scandal, to illustrate the broader system of undisclosed political funding. By following the money trail and speaking with key figures on various sides, the films attempt to clarify the mechanics and consequences of a system where election outcomes are often tied to spending levels, raising questions about transparency and fairness in the democratic process. Both films stream on Max from April 15.
