Independent Lens (TV Series) Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore? (2006) User Reviews

A timely and amazing political documentary.

[Gigi-24 · 10/10 · 30 July 2006]

This is a searing portrait of the American political system gone awry. The film documents a state Democratic primary election in Missouri, which is probably typical of state and local elections across the country. We follow a real-life grassroots campaign from start to finish. The film is a must-see for any young person interested in going into politics, as well as any voter who is hungry for the truth. Every second of this film is riveting and the conclusions it draws will shock and sadden. If you liked "Why We Fight," "Control Room," "The Corporation," or "The Fog of War" - this film will most likely further whet your appetite for government reform.

Reclaiming democracy

[fayette_veverka · 10/10 · 13 July 2006]

Who knew a documentary could be an engaging edge of your seat thriller and at the same time an inspiring call to the renewal of democracy. The story follows the campaign of an unabashedly progressive 29 year old political science prof, Jeff Smith,who runs for Dick Gephardt's congressional seat in Missouri. He's up against a slew of political opponents, any one of whom has greater name recognition and financial wherewith-all than Jeff can ever hope to match. Everyone assumes the seat will go to political insider, Carnahan, son of the late Senator and former governor of Missouri who was killed in a tragic plan crash whose seat was then taken over by his wife, Jean. Even his own family questions his quixotic decision to run. The movie follows what happens when Jeff takes on the establishment with no money and a handful of 20-something volunteers who make up in heart and energy what they lack in experience. What happens is a roller coaster ride that reveals the possibilities for taking politics out of the hands of the professional handlers, the chattering classes, and the oligarchy of well-connected, well-financed political dynasties like the Bushes in Texas or the Kennedys in Massachsetts. Jeff's inspiring story is almost enough to re-ignite one's faith in the democratic process and the power of ordinary citizens to reclaim their political power. I saw the film at Silver Docs where it won the festival audience favorite award.

Brilliant

[frigate13 · 10/10 · 29 December 2006]

Anybody can take the obvious "sexy" issues like the Iraq war and make a movie. Those topics are the "usual suspects," seductive and there for the taking. It takes real film genius and skill to craft such a poignant and funny film such as "Mr. Smith." Here Mr. Popper took a seemingly ordinary event in the life of a smalltime American politician, and from whole cloth, wove a savvy, fast-paced and honest film that resonates right up to the White House. To illuminate mankind's everyday struggle is where true film genius and storytelling resides. This, my friend, is it. Jeff Smith is everyman out to make the world a better place. Along the way he encounters believers, doubters and turncoats. The film's score is in sync with the mood and tone of the production. This film has been compared to The War Room. However, Mr. Smith is far superior. These characters have heart, hope, families and a community of young devotees in a dark world of outright cynics.

I hope the public and the politicians see this film

[se7en187 · 10/10 · 12 June 2007]

I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.

This was an excellent film about unknown first time candidate Jeff Smith running for congress to replace the retiring Dick Gephardt. It follows Smith as he makes an excellent campaign trying to defeat big name candidates including Russ Carnahan (son of former governor Mel and former senator Jean). The Carnahan name is like the "Kennedy" of Missouri, so everyone thought Smith shouldn't bother to run. But this documentary perfectly displays Jeff Smith and his group of campaign runners' determination.

This is a great display of how the underdogs campaign. Smith started out with no money, the people running the campaign consisted of his friends and college students that had no previous political campaign experience. But somehow Smith managed to get his name heard.

Of course, the film's main message is that many politicians rely on money to get elected and not by spreading their views and ideas. Though there have been documentaries like this before, this one is wonderfully edited and really does a great job of displaying this issue.

After the film, the director/cinematographer/editor Frank Popper and Jeff Smith were there for a Q&A. It was really cool to talk with the two about the filming of the movie and the events that took place. Jeff Smith is a really nice guy (not just because it's his job to be nice).

This was one of the documentaries eligible for the 2006 Academy Awards. It was really good and I would have loved for it to have been nominated.

I'm sorry this has nothing to do with the program. I'm only trying to contact Todd Gilbert... Babe if you're reading this please check your idiot king MSN address please

[spazzarific14 · 10/10 · 17 August 2007]

We really need to talk it's been too long... give me a call i sent you my number through MSN.. god i hope you get this.. i love you and miss you so much i hope all is well i wish we could talk hopefully we will soon the sentences after this don't need to be read for i only typed them to meet the comment requirement i had to fill up 10 lines so here i am typing this so i can post this comment so hopefully Todd will get to read this... for any of you reading this who aren't him i apologize its been way too long i couldn't stand it anymore i had to try something i still need to keep this going to make it to the tenth line almost there..... please work please work.... woo!! I LOVE YOU TODD please contact me through MSN or yahoo if all of this fails and i never talk to you again... so be it =[