advise & consent (1962)

advise and consent is very complex in its evaluation and exploration of american politics. as such the film feels incredibly authentic, and very honest an interpretation of what happens behind the scenes of national government. for its time the film manages to not only feel very fresh and bold, but almost nostalgic at the same time. bold in the sense that it is tackling incredibly controversial subject matter for 1962, but nostalgic in the slow pace and black and white photography that is used to convey the story.

at its core the film is an exploration into the corruption of an honest man, in the shape of robert leffingwell. the honest man gradually becomes corrupt as he climbs the political chain, the scene in the commitee where he 'breaks' the witness is heartbreaking in its display of how far a man can fall. the character of brigham anderson appears to be an attempt to rectify the narratives stance, by giving a second chance for someone to speak out and be honest. his subsequent death is genuinely distressing and the emotional peak of the picture.

strangely, at least based on what we are to expect of a film, charles laughton is the star of advise and consent. his character is discussed intently by every existing character, and at great length several minutes before his first appearance in the picture. his seab cooley is a terrifying and perfectly crafted example of character acting. henry fonda, as the young politician at the center of the controversies is great in a role that is surprisingly subdued. i guess such a comment is clearly the result of a film with such a large ensemble cast.

the moment with the president sat between the portrait of abraham lincoln and the portrait of george washington speaks volumes. not only is it a reminder of just how well otto preminger can shoot a film (the use of the widescreen pallett is inspired, and serves to remind us just how visual this rather muted picture is), but it also serves as a witty nod to the rose-tinted politics of the past. each of the characters within the film seems to be standing up for what they believe to be right, be it the upholding of the rules of congress or the defense against such dubious political figures as seab cooley, yet by doing so they are contradicting everything they claim to be just.