From The Dirksen Congressional Center comes a new lesson plan on "The Public's View of Congress: A Study in Contrast Through Film," prepared by René M. Lafayette, Northbridge High School, Whitinsville, MA.
The four films selected to share for comparison begin with the 1939 classic Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (released approximately 45 days after the start of World War II), then the 1972 film The Candidate, followed seven years later by The Seduction of Joe Tynan and finally the 1996 documentary A Perfect Candidate. The common theme that runs throughout the 57 years spanning the oldest film to the most recent is, in a word, “disappointment.”
Hollywood’s portrayal of our Federal lawmakers seems to validate the cynical view most Americans have about Congress. Although not used in this lesson, even the most recent (2007) film which centered on a Member of Congress (Charlie Wilson’s War) presents the viewer with mixed, at best, signals about the film’s “hero” (a hard-drinking, drug-using, womanizing Texas Democrat). Wilson as portrayed by Tom Hanks, is as much at ease navigating through the interagency intrigues of the Central Intelligence Agency as he is nude in a Las Vegas hot tub with equally non-attired strippers/escorts in the film’s opening scene. Enough said?
There is always great interest in the 1933 classic Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Many high school juniors and seniors find Stewart’s character believable. They may also appreciate a simpler lifestyle and story line. In any event, all four films include dashed innocence or naiveté lost when faced with fundamental moral or ethical challenges. There is usually considerable discussion after a film’s viewing as to why anyone would want to enter public life. Point out the alternatives to such a position.
For more about how movies portray American politics, see "Videos on State Politics" and other links in that posting.
Wonderful concept
Posted by: Ralph Pepetio | November 23, 2009 at 06:55 PM