As a cinephile who’s spent countless hours immersed in the dark corners of cinema, I must say that these three films stand out as absolute gems, each a testament to the power and intrigue of dirty politics on the silver screen.
As the Democratic National Convention begins on Monday, signaling a ramp-up in election activities, it’s the perfect moment to delve into compelling Hollywood script outlines that depict U.S. politics – both historical and contemporary.
My editor’s engaging discussions prompted me to consider topics beyond the mechanics of governance, encompassing matters likely to be relevant leading up to the November election and diverse methods movies might use to inspire change.
Certain options on the list may not directly address political matters in a traditional sense, yet they tackle themes that carry significant political implications. These topics, such as abortion, race, marriage equality, immigration, and surveillance, are inherently tied to broader political issues and debates.
As a film enthusiast, I was disheartened not to find room for John Ford’s enduring adaptation of Steinbeck’s masterpiece, “The Grapes of Wrath.” This poignant tale follows a family forced to abandon their Oklahoma farmland during the Great Depression and embark on a journey to California. It serves as an unforgettable portrayal of poverty, wealth disparity, and the labor union movement.
The Candidate was outperformed by two other films starring Robert Redford; instead, Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” lost to another one, and although Sidney Lumet’s tense film “Fail Safe”, which deals with the dangerous possibility of an unauthorized nuclear attack on Russia, didn’t make it, a humorous take on that very situation, released in 1964 as well, did.
In more contemporary cinema, I was disappointed not to find room for George Clooney’s sharp film “Good Night, and Good Luck,” which portrays the role of journalist Edward R. Murrow in dismantling Joseph McCarthy. Debra Granik’s hard-hitting depiction of drug addiction in impoverished rural areas, “Winter’s Bone,” nearly missed the cut, as did Oliver Stone’s investigative epic “JFK” and two Steven Spielberg films: the detailed portrayal “Lincoln” and “The Post,” which documents a D.C. newspaper’s struggle to publish the Pentagon Papers. Similarly, Michael Mann’s heart-racing corporate drama “The Insider,” based on a real-life tobacco industry whistleblower, was also overlooked.
It kills me, however, not to include In the Loop, Armando Iannucci’s scabrous pre-Veep satire of British-American political relations, a hyper-articulate mock doc with some of the most gloriously vivid profanities ever uttered on film. Two powerhouse movies that tackle American interventionism in more serious terms, Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty, also narrowly missed making the cut.
But hey, 20 films is 20 films, meaning not every deserving entry gets a spot.
‘Night Moves’ (2013)
In the realm of minimalist poet Kelly Reichardt’s body of work, this edge-of-your-seat thriller, titled “First Cow,” stands out for its focus on dialogue and plot. It revolves around a group of environmental activists planning to destroy a hydroelectric dam in Oregon, a story that draws inspiration from the political unrest of the 1970s. Unlike many films about the climate crisis, it offers a sobering exploration of the balance between the need for immediate action and the potential consequences of extreme measures. Its deep philosophical discourse resonates with last year’s film, “How to Blow Up a Pipeline.”
‘City of Hope’ (1991)
Among the notable political filmmakers in America, John Sayles presents a conundrum: I’d be delighted to pick between his works, such as the sprawling 1996 neo-Western, “Lone Star,” which delves into the investigation of racial violence in a Texas border town. However, another equally expansive drama set in a fictional New Jersey city, where ideals are dwindling and corruption, greed, moral decay, and despair thrive, may be more worthy of revisiting. With fluid pacing and precise direction, Sayles masterfully weaves together the stories of around 36 interconnected characters, including the rich and disenfranchised, a corrupt mayor, property developers, a drug dealer, an volatile cop, his abused ex-wife, a reformist Black councilman whose attempts to help his community are consistently thwarted, and even a seedy auto shop owner who dabbles in minor crimes – a character played by Sayles himself. This film offers a detailed look at urban America, simmering with anger, where an ethical life is often overshadowed by financial and political power.
‘The Kids Are All Right’ (2010)
In the years leading up to federal law recognizing marriage equality, when discussions about the topic were ongoing and resistance was strong in several states, director Lisa Cholodenko took a bold, understated approach. She made same-sex marriage and parenthood feel commonplace by casting Annette Bening and Julianne Moore as lesbian spouses experiencing struggles that resonate with any heterosexual couple – navigating their complex relationship and adapting to the growing independence of their teenage children, played convincingly by Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson. This film, filled with humor and sexuality, is set in sunny Southern California, and its central conflict arises from the siblings’ desire to meet their sperm donor father, portrayed amusingly by Mark Ruffalo as a farm-to-table bohemian who is perhaps overly confident in his own appeal. Cholodenko skillfully makes the politics of representation deeply personal in this heartfelt portrayal of family love, its awkward moments, parenting mistakes, and marital strife. Moore’s character Jules trying to explain to her son why she and her partner watch gay male porn for excitement is just one example of many memorable scenes.
‘Primary Colors’ (1998)
Few directors could consistently elicit exceptional performances from their actors quite like Mike Nichols, making the captivating portrayals of a top-tier cast one of the main joys in this entertaining film adaptation based on the roman à clef about Bill Clinton’s 1992 Democratic presidential campaign. The script by Elaine May is filled with biting wit and astute observations, and John Travolta delivers a striking portrayal of a candidate who embodies sincerity while being both principled and deeply flawed, with qualities such as decency and dishonesty existing side by side. Emma Thompson brings empathy to the character of Clinton’s wife, a ruthless pragmatist whose dignity is repeatedly tested by her husband’s infidelities.
‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington’ (1939)
The juiciest political movies are invariably those depicting abuse of power, but every roundup needs at least one entry that predates the age of pervasive cynicism. Not that this Frank Capra comedy is short on dubious morality — D.C. is rife with corruption and graft, freedom of the press is throttled, truth is distorted and a Senate powerbroker revealed to be in the pocket of a wealthy tycoon. (Unsurprisingly, the movie was met with controversy upon its release, denounced in Washington as anti-American.) What lingers most is the idealism of James Stewart’s title character, a rube from an unnamed Western state who lands an unlikely Senate seat. Watching him gaze in awe at the Lincoln Memorial is an indelible image of untarnished patriotism, and even when he’s sucked under by a swamp that drowns whistleblowers, Mr. Smith never gives up the fight.
‘Three Days of the Condor’ (1975)
In discussing outstanding political movies, it’s worth mentioning the captivating screen chemistry between Robert Redford and Faye Dunaway in Sydney Pollack’s fast-paced thriller. Despite any complex plotlines, their pairing makes up for it. Among films that caution “don’t trust anyone,” a memorable scene stands out: a group of cold-blooded assassins, led menacingly by Max von Sydow, storm a covert New York CIA office and brutally execute the staff. At lunchtime, Redford’s character Joe Turner narrowly escapes death due to being away. However, when he contacts headquarters seeking safety, he uncovers a shocking truth: a report he submitted had marked his office for assassination, and it’s the CIA who wants him dead. To buy time, Joe abducts Dunaway’s character, Kathy, hiding in her Brooklyn apartment. In what feels like the blink of an eye, a passionate romance blossoms between them, straining credulity but enhancing the enduring allure of this gripping, high-quality B movie.
‘Selma’ (2014)
Hollywood took about half a century to fully acknowledge and honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, which made it all the more distressing that Ava DuVernay’s powerful historical drama was underrepresented at the Oscars. In a remarkable display of both strength and subtlety, David Oyelowo breathes life into the revered civil rights leader, portraying him with a compelling sense of purpose as well as a relatable human side, questioning himself throughout the film about whether his actions to combat institutional racism against African Americans were the right path. The 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery marches for voting rights are both inspiring and harrowing, showing the brutal attacks by Alabama law enforcement and white civilians as they sought to undermine King and his followers’ commitment to nonviolence. Although the protests ultimately lead to victory, with President Lyndon B. Johnson (portrayed by the late Tom Wilkinson) pushing for swift passage of a bill to eliminate voting barriers, the film serves as a poignant reminder that true equality is still elusive in our country.
‘Maria Full of Grace’ (2004)
In recent years, particularly during Trump’s presidency, the Republican Party has emphasized a negative portrayal of undocumented immigration at the southern border, often inciting calls for mass deportation based on a romanticized vision of America that doesn’t reflect contemporary or even distant reality. Originally, I intended to include Gregory Nava’s 1983 independent film, “El Norte,” in this list due to its significance as one of the first major films to engage U.S. audiences with the Central American immigrant experience. However, “Maria Full of Grace” by Joshua Marston has become much more impactful since then. This film tells the story of a 17-year-old woman from rural Colombia who is tricked into transporting drugs to the U.S., which might initially seem an unwise choice for audience empathy. However, the harrowing journey that strengthens her resolve not to return home serves to humanize and possibly even purify the protagonist. The film is a poignant exploration of how decent individuals are drawn into serving a global economy where the poor are seen as disposable parts of the machine.
‘The Parallax View’ (1974)
In a resemblance to other iconic ’70s suspense thrillers that echoed widespread fear and disenchantment following the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and more, the timeless work by Alan J. Pakula, “Klute”, showcases Warren Beatty’s captivating portrayal of Joe Frady, a journalist probing into the three-year-old murder of a prominent senator at the Seattle Space Needle who was also a presidential contender. As he uncovers strange connections between this case and the mysterious deaths of eyewitnesses, including his girlfriend, a fellow journalist portrayed by Paula Prentiss, Joe’s investigation takes him to the Parallax Corporation – a hidden entity employing trained assassins under the guise of security personnel. After successfully infiltrating their organization, Joe is drawn into a climactic event at a political rally for another presidential hopeful, culminating in an unexpectedly grim finale. The suspenseful narrative is skillfully heightened by Gordon Willis’ masterful cinematography.
‘Never Rarely Sometimes Always’ (2020)
Following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, the issue of women’s reproductive rights has become a highly debated topic in American politics, with some on the conservative side advocating for criminalizing abortions, restricting abortion pills, and even banning contraception. However, Eliza Hittman’s captivating drama approaches this controversial subject from a humanistic perspective, focusing on themes of female friendship, unity, and courage. The film, which follows teenage cousins from rural Pennsylvania as they journey to New York City to terminate an unexpected pregnancy, offers a dreamy, intimately dark experience, enhanced by the authentic performances of newcomers Sidney Flanigan and Talia Ryder. The sorrow, embarrassment, remorse, and humiliation visible in Flanigan’s eyes when her character responds to medical questions, if set in a just world, would silence anyone who questions a woman’s right to make personal choices about her body.
‘Get Out’ (2017)
It’s clear that race continues to play a significant role in national politics, as shown by the backlash against Barack Obama’s presidency and movements like Black Lives Matter, which reveal the persistence of white supremacy in America. In cinema, Jordan Peele’s debut film stands out for its unique approach to this theme. Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams, the movie features Bradley Whitford and Catherine Keener as seemingly benevolent upper-class parents who conceal a sinister agenda. This chilling portrayal of elitist entitlement exposes how Black people are often viewed as a solution to white society’s decay. Jordan Peele masterfully combines dark humor, horror, and social critique in a way that is both unsettling and thought-provoking.
‘Election’ (1999)
In the movie Election, Reese Witherspoon plays Tracy Flick, a relentlessly ambitious character with a sharp focus. She runs a determined campaign to become student body president, causing quite a stir. Matthew Broderick portrays a social studies teacher who becomes entangled in her web of manipulation, and his personal and professional life start to crumble as he attempts to thwart her ambitions. Chris Klein and the late Jessica Campbell excel in their roles as Paul and Tammy Metzler, two siblings with contrasting personalities. The film, based on an unpublished novel by Tom Perrotta, was masterfully directed by Alexander Payne and written by Jim Taylor. They skillfully explored the satirical themes and sneaky tactics of the story, drawing parallels to larger-scale political situations.
‘Dick’ (1999)
Among films about Watergate are “All the President’s Men,” “Nixon,” “Frost/Nixon,” and “Forrest Gump.” Additionally, there’s Robert Altman’s lesser-known speculative fiction piece, “Secret Honor,” featuring Philip Baker Hall as a soon-to-be disgraced president. However, nothing quite compares to Andrew Fleming’s satirical take, where the Watergate scandal is discovered not by investigative journalists but by two naive teenagers with hash cookies. This film marks one of Kirsten Dunst’s key roles during her transition from child to adult acting, and it provided a significant stepping stone for Michelle Williams from “Dawson’s Creek” to more prominent film work. The comedy boasts a talented supporting cast, including Will Ferrell and Bruce McCulloch as comically inept Woodward and Bernstein, the latter frequently sporting a humorous Dustin Hoffman wig; Dan Hedaya as a comically suspicious Nixon; and a young Ryan Reynolds as a lovestruck teenager who struggles to keep up with the girls.
‘Malcolm X’ (1992)
Spike Lee is too inventive a director to make a conventional biopic, and this sprawling portrait of the revolutionary Black human rights activist is an operatic epic that burrows into the psychologically complex divide between his public and private lives. In the title role, Denzel Washington brings unquestionable authority to what’s essentially a story of iron-willed self-reinvention, his Malcolm overcoming sorrow, discrimination, crime and imprisonment to become a controversial political leader who angrily questioned the effectiveness of legislation to correct racial inequity. Angela Bassett as Malcolm’s supportive wife, Betty Shabazz, is one of many incisive supporting turns bringing texture to an illuminating drama that lets us walk in the shoes of both the man and the myth.
‘Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb’
As a devoted admirer, let me rephrase that for you:
‘Fruitvale Station’ (2013)
As a passionate viewer and advocate, I can’t help but reflect on the heartrending journey portrayed in “Fruitvale Station,” a movie that powerfully resonates with me, particularly as it echoes the stories of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd – names etched in our collective memory due to their tragic encounters with law enforcement. This moving film, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, has significantly propelled their careers.
‘Milk’ (2008)
In “Milk,” director Gus Van Sant skillfully combines documentary-like archival footage with poetic moments to create an emotionally powerful narrative about Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to public office in America and a pioneer for LGBTQ rights. Sean Penn delivers a captivating performance as Milk, portraying him as both joyful and combative, embodying a practical idealist who tackled bigotry and intolerance, often disguised behind the mask of morality, family, and religion – a struggle that resonates with today’s evangelical conservative movement. This film is remarkable for its energy, compassion, and raw anger, while also serving as a heartfelt homage to grassroots activism. Milk played a pivotal role in establishing San Francisco’s Castro District as a queer community, but his influence extended beyond that niche, leading the charge at City Hall and successfully vetoing a proposed ban on LGBTQ individuals in California public schools in 1978. Penn is supported by an impressive cast, including Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Alison Pill, and James Franco and Diego Luna, who portray Milk’s significant others – the ideal partner and the troubled soul, reflecting experiences many of us can relate to.
‘Blow Out’ (1981)
Discuss whether this movie falls under the category of films about corrupt politics. While Brian De Palma may not have intended it as such, a neo-noir film that begins with the assassination of a potential president, references both the Chappaquiddick incident and the Zapruder film, and concludes with a deadly cover-up as heartbreaking and chilling as it is shocking certainly warrants inclusion in this category. This film draws inspiration from “The Conversation” as well as Antonioni’s “Blow-Up,” and after four decades, it remains a cinematic masterpiece that showcases De Palma’s talents at their peak. The acting by John Travolta, Nancy Allen, and the icy John Lithgow is top-notch. Even after multiple viewings, I still find the “Liberty Day” fireworks scene emotionally devastating.
‘All the President’s Men’ (1976)
1960s and ’70s political thrillers could effortlessly fill this collection, with a focus on the works of John Frankenheimer, Sidney Lumet, and Alan J. Pakula. Notably, Pakula’s trilogy of films about paranoia, surveillance, and conspiracies started with Klute and The Parallax View, reaching its climax in this iconic portrayal of the revelation of the crimes that ultimately led to Nixon’s resignation. This film, starring Robert Redford as Bob Woodward and Dustin Hoffman as Carl Bernstein, is a timeless piece, tight-knit, fast-paced, and brimming with intricate details. It delves not only into government corruption at the top levels but also into the dynamics of a newsroom before the gradual decline of print media began. Jason Robards, among an exceptional supporting cast, won an Oscar for his portrayal of Post managing editor Ben Bradlee in this film.
‘The Conversation’ (1974)
The iconic status of director Francis Ford Coppola is largely attributed to epic films like the Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now. However, this tense, haunting thriller, which showcases a brilliant Gene Hackman as a secluded tech-genius lending his surveillance skills to various private and government entities, stands apart in Coppola’s body of work. A film born from the distrust towards institutions fueled by the Vietnam War and Watergate, it gradually escalates tension while skillfully depicting a man’s moral dilemma as he questions his complacency when signs of corruption appear in his work. Rialto Pictures’ pristine 4K restoration maintains the gritty atmosphere characteristic of top-tier ’70s auteur cinema, with particular focus on Walter Murch’s intricate sound design. The movie boasts an appealing ensemble cast, many of whom were at the beginning of their careers, including John Cazale, Allen Garfield, Frederic Forrest, Cindy Williams, Teri Garr, Robert Duvall, and a young, ominous Harrison Ford. This timeless masterpiece has retained its impact after 50 years.
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2024-08-16 16:26