Talk It Over: Election 2008
Your Favorite Political Movies
By David White on October 30, 2008
Political movies can be a great spark for public engagement – a way of looking at issues, ideals and dreams without the inconvenient barriers posed by reality. We're sharing our favorites – check out our list for some eye-openers. Now it's your turn – tell us some of your favorite movies about politics. We can't wait to read all about it.
Comments
Three of my favorites are :
1. The Last Hurrah with Spencer Tracy (1958) (also a great book)
2. True Colors (1991) now that's how to be a congressional staffer
3. City Hall (1996) not be confused with Spin City
1) The Good Shepherd
2) Dick
3) Arlington Road
4) The Manchurian Candidate
5) The Patriot (more historical than anything else)
1) American President
2) True Colors
3) Election (its a metaphor--show the love)
4) The Good Shepherd
The American President
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
I love Thirteen Days, which explores the Cuban Missile Crisis during JFK's presidency -- or does it explore JFK's presidency through the Cuban Missile Crisis?
Favorite has to be "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington".
Others include "Dave" and "The American President".
I know this will sound silly, but my vote goes to TEAM AMERICA. Great satire with a lot of truth.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Citizen Kane
- Awearness Blog
Lots of wonderful choices mentioned already. One that hasn't been listed yet but is worth mentioning is The Best Man, with Henry Fonda. It's not a great movie - a political procedural about a battle between two potential presidential candidates, but it's saved by the moment at the end when Henry Fonda (as the higher minded of the two contenders - no surprise) acknowledges that one day America will have a black candidate for president, and that this will happen before a woman gets the top nomination.
My Top Favorite Political Movies Are:
1. The Man: "When the President and Speaker of the House are killed in a building collapse, and the Vice-President declines the office due to age and ill-health, Senate President pro tempore Douglas Dilman (James Earl Jones) suddenly becomes the first black man to occupy the Oval Office. The events from that day to the next election when he must decide if he will actually run challenge his skills as a politician and leader."
2. Dick
3. Dave
4. The Manchurian Candidate (both versions)
5. Three Days of the Condor
*6. A short-lived TV show called Hail to the Chief that featured the tribulations of the first female president! "Julia Mansfield is the first woman to be elected President of the United States. In addition to dealing with the threat of nuclear war with the Soviet Union, spies in the cabinet, and personal attacks by a conservative religious leader, she also has to handle such personal problems as an impotent husband and a sex scandal involving her son. "
The Battle of Algiers was a great movie.
One of my favorites was "Protocol"! I also liked "Dave." Watching these movies, I am momentarily buoyed up by the notion that perhaps someone in politics is really committed to public service. But since I grew up in Washington, I know that's not really true, and most of the people who go into government are power-hungry, money-grubbing, or both. Oh well.
As for political reality, I tend to watch Frontline. Or C-SPAN. Movies don't tend to capture political reality, because it's so damn tedious.
I am surprised no one mentioned BEING THERE with Peter Sellers.
You are absolutely right. One of the all time great satires.
All my favorites are already there with these exceptions:
House of Cards Trilogy
Set in Britain's Houses of Parliament, this political satire follows the career of a ruthless MP (Ian Richardson) whose election campaign has been plagued by a number of mysterious deaths. The politician's scheming knows no bounds, and he manages to ensnare a member of the royal family in his quest for power. This series was controversial in Britain for its close depiction of Prince Charles's actual life.
Parallax View
Alan J. Pakula's 1974 film ostensibly about political assassination conspiracy, but effective at raising the specter of secret cabals of the powerful that stop at nothing to maintain power and covert rule of our country. Warren Beatty and Hume Cronyn are the good guys.
Breaker Morant (Australian film, 1980)
all these movies and not one mention of Bob Roberts?! That movie pretty much sums it all up: ANYTHING to get votes!
The man who shot liberty valance, intimidation for state hood sums it up.
all the presidents men
I am really surprised no one has mentioned "the man who shot liberty valance" all about intimidation and state hood, what could be better?
Also, "all the presidents men" need I say more?
What are my favorite movies of all-time? Not sure, but I will tell you what movies aren't the best 25 most conservative movies of all time. Spin Serum examined the National Review's list and had a great take on the media outlet's hilarious explanation of what movies would make Reagan, Nixon and Palin happiest. Check out this great take at Spin Serum.
Hands down: Citizen Kane.
1. Something for the Birds, with Patricia Neal and Victor Mature shows the silly side of lobbying.
2. Charlie Wilson's War
3. Munich
1. Listen to Me
2. Inherit the Wind
3. Swing Vote
4. A Few Good Men
5. 12 Angry Men
ALL ON DVD
1. 24: SEASON 6 (episodes 1-17)
2. 24: SEASON 4 (full season)
3. 24: SEASON 2 (full season)
JFK
Malcom X
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Ghandhi
Manchurian Candidate
1. A Perfect Candidate
2. Citizen Ruth
3. State of the Union
4. If....
5. In the Shadow of the Moon
6. Lions for Lambs
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