About Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer

Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer is a 2010 American documentary film directed by Alex Gibney. The film explores the swift rise and dramatic fall of Eliot Spitzer, New York State's former Governor, who gained national prominence for his dedication to prosecuting Wall Street crimes. Spitzer's hard-charging approach to Wall Street earned him many enemies, but it was a private matter that led to his public downfall when his involvement with escorts was revealed.

Making/Production

The film is the result of an extensive investigation conducted by Gibney. It includes interviews with Spitzer's most significant allies and enemies, along with the escort that led to his downfall. Through these interviews and candid conversations with Spitzer himself, the documentary paints a detailed picture of the tumultuous events.

Actors

• Eliot Spitzer - Playing as himself, the former New York Governor gives his own perspective of the events that led to his public scandal and resignation.
• Alex Gibney - The director also serves as the narrator of the film, guiding the audience through the complicated web of politics, finance, and scandal.
• Hulbert Waldroup - He portrayed the Emperor's Club escort agency's booker; his role brought a personal perspective to the operation that led to Spitzer's downfall.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• The film's title, Client 9, refers to the alias Spitzer used when visiting the escort service.
• Director Alex Gibney won an Academy Award for his previous documentary work before tackling this film.

Awards

While Client 9 did not win any major awards, it was nominated for Best Documentary Screenplay by the Writers Guild of America.

Quotes

• "I guess I was not as self-aware as I should have been" - Eliot Spitzer.
• "You pay for it one way or another" - An interviewee discussing the seedy nature of politics and escort services.

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's music was composed by Peter Nashel. Known for his work on films like 'The Deep End' and television series like 'Lie to Me', Nashel creates a hauntingly atmospheric backdrop to the documentary's heavy subject matter.