Australian Filmmaker, Neil McGregor discusses his documentary ‘Hinckley: I Shot the President‘ now available on VOD.
Editor’s Note: The Original Interview Conducted August 21, 2024. Reloaded on September 12, 2024.
In March 1981, John Hinckley, driven by a dangerous obsession with the film ‘Taxi Driver‘ and actress Jodie Foster, attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan. This shocking act not only stunned the world but also significantly altered American history. Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent thirty-five years in a psychiatric hospital. Nearly forty years later, he was granted unconditional release by a judge, prompting intense debate about justice, mental illness, and redemption.
‘Hinckley‘ offers a stark and comprehensive exploration of the man behind this historic and controversial event. The documentary delves into Hinckley’s troubled early years, examining his obsessions, previous attempts at violence, and the factors leading up to his attack on Reagan. It also investigates the aftermath of the shooting and the broader implications for a nation deeply divided by politics and gun violence. The film questions whether true redemption is possible for such a notorious figure and how his story continues to resonate in contemporary America.
In our conversation, we discussed the intricacies of Hinckley’s life, his mental health challenges, and the possibility of reclaiming a life after decades of confinement. We also explored why an Australian perspective might provide a unique and valuable lens on this deeply American story, offering fresh insights into the complexities of this historic case.
Neil McGregor, who graduated from the Australian Film, Television & Radio School and Griffith University, is the filmmaker behind ‘Hinckley‘. While studying, McGregor’s first short film was shortlisted for the Tropfest Film Festival and later opened the Brisbane International Film Festival. He became one of the youngest inductees into the Australian Directors Guild. McGregor’s diverse body of work includes documentaries, high-end television commercials, and narrative feature films and series. Following his time at Screen Queensland, he directed and produced ‘Ramblin’ Racer‘, distributed by Madmen Entertainment and Amazon Prime, and *Growing Happiness*. His film, ‘Hinckley‘, is available on VOD as of August, 2024 at https://hinckley.movie.
