But perhaps the films tragic resonance is what makesThe Spymastersthat much more imperative to watch.
How did the attacks in Paris change the nature of this timing for you?
He said if we dont stamp them out, theyll come here.
Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy Showtime
Theres just no doubt.
Thats one of the lessons of Paris.
There are a lot of profound philosophical questions, too.
In a climate of fear, how far should intelligence agencies go to keep us safe?
Whats the thesis of this piece?
Is it about establishing the rules for Americas spymasters?
WHIPPLE:Its about this battle for the soul of the CIA.
Its the rules of engagement.
Its how far should the CIA go.
Thats a critical question, and its thoroughly debated by our directors.
The stakes could not be higher.
It was fascinating to see the complete difference of opinion on certain subjects and the complete agreement on others.
GEDEON NAUDET:We had this incredible opportunity to put the audience and ourselves in their shoes.
How do you keep a country safe without changing your values?
What was your pitch to get all twelve to agree to be interviewed?
JULESNAUDET:A couple of things helped.
We told them from the very beginning, well be tough but well be fair.
It started with George H. W. Bush and it finished with George Tenet.
Tenet must have canceled on us at least, what?
JULESNAUDET:Three times.
WHIPPLE:Tenet was a long process of persuading.
And he nearly bolted out of his chair three or four times during the interview itself.
And we were able to say, Talk to Rahm Emanuel.
Ask any of the chiefs of staff what their experience was.
Chris, what questions provoked the most visceral or emotional reactions from the directors?
WHIPPLE:Primarily the moments when I was going after some humanity.
Can you imagine having on your watch 9/11, the enhanced interrogation procedures, and weapons of mass destruction?
And his body language said it all.
But were all human beings.
It was really a very emotional moment.
Did you face antagonism from government officials who caught wind you were doing this and got nervous?
We are talking about national security, after all.
[All three chuckle.]
WHIPPLE:Yes, absolutely.
Leon went well beyond what he was allowed to say in his book [2014sWorthy Fights].
The CIA censors were all over his book.
Was there any point where your own emotions were activated by these stories?
JULESNAUDET:For me, its always when they talk about Sept. 11.
It takes a toll to watch all those images.
I felt [like I was] watching our own team be completely traumatized.
It will happen again.
There will be other 9/11s.
Yesterday it was in Paris, tomorrow who knows?
But it will come back here of course.
Just ask the FBI about how many plots theyve already foiled.
But when it will happen again, how are we going to react?
Or are we going to be stronger than that?
And that, for me, I hope, will be the conversation that people start to have.
Thats not an easy question, and it especially couldnt be more timely right now.
I never knew that they faced ethical dilemmas like that every day.
I thought that was a really a profound observation.
The Spymasters CIA in the Crosshairs airs on Nov. 28 at 9 p.m. on Showtime.
