Mr Smith Goes to Washington

Mr Smith Goes to Washington 08/08/11

Director: Frank Capra             Writer: Sidney Buchman(screenplay)

1939

            Frank Capra and James Stuart are behind one of my favourite films; It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) so I had high hopes for one of their earlier collaborations. I would say that they delivered. James Stewart is younger and perfectly optimistic unlike some of his later roles with Hitchcock, and he needs to be as he embodies the best American values. We see from the beginning of the film that the US Senate is open to corruption but for the film to have any real story we need to believe that this is a time where corrupt politicians could come as a surprise.

            This gives us many entertaining and funny scenes where Stewart’s half full glass enters a Washington ready to exploit him where senators can be chosen by the flip of a coin, it doesn’t matter as long as they tow the party line. There is also a third force in the film in the form of journalism. So then a triple threat: Constitutions, rights and laws vs. Corruption in the system vs. Manipulation by the media. A fight that was not new when this film was made and one that certainly isn’t over. Anybody that has watched Michael Moore’s Capitalism: A Love Story (2009) or the news in the last few months will be familiar with the plot of Mr Smith goes to Washington. However what may be unfamiliar to viewers is the belief shown by Stewart’s character. I am used to a widespread feeling of pessimism about the moral practices of politicians and their relationships with powers in the media. The feeling that they have won, that their influence is just too wide and strong, and that nothing will change short of a full scale revolution. However this film shows that if one person in the right place makes a stand (very literally here) and some self sacrifice that they will get the support they need one way or the other, or perhaps even change the mind of those they stand against.

            This is well written, handsomely shot film with stellar acting. It is unique because it faced these issues when they were smaller, no film with the same story now could get away with its simple faith. Watch it and you may feel yourself having a little more hope for the world.