Review of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) by Ryan L — 07 Jul 2009

In the golden age of cinema, year 1939, Frank Capra released his political masterpiece "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." Starring James Stewart, Jean Arthur, and Claude Rains, it is a film about a naive young "Boy Ranger" leader (no doubt meant to be a reference to the Boy Scouts of America) with big dreams about American politics, history, and freedom, who is selected by the governor of his state to replace a deceased senator. Expecting a dream come true, he soon finds that he was only selected to be pawn for the powerful and corrupt "Taylor Machine" along with his fellow senator Joseph Paine. Rather than back down and follow orders, he decides to stay true to his ideals and stand up against corrupt politics.

This film is a landmark in cinema for several reasons. First of all, it was incredibly important too society. It was often frowned upon at the time because it was one of the first films, if not THE first, to paint a somewhat negative picture of american politicians, but it was also banned in several fascist and communist countries because of it's message of democracy, freedom, and the power of one. It was the last american film to be shown in France before the German occupation and no doubt gave hope to the country that freedom was on its way.

It is also a very inspiring film. Many claim that Frank Capra's work is all very unrealistic and corny. Several claim more specifically that in real life this film would not have ended the way it would. I disagree with that, but even so, there's not denying that this film is powerful. By the end of it, you feel very uplifted. It makes you believe in the power of your voice, the power of one man, and the importance of having high ideals.

It is also just overal an incredibly well-done film. Some of the transitions are very quick, but that just the time period, filmmakers at that time had yet to experiment with flashy camera work and creative transitions and such. Most definitely what was important about films in the 30's and 40's was the content much less than the camera work or the editing, and the content is fantastic. The film has an excellent screenplay, and loveable characters as well as some detestable ones. It's also very informative, containing somewhat of a lesson on the way the legislative system of our government works. but what stands high above everything else in this film is most definitely the acting.

James Stewart is absolutely brilliant as the young and naive, yet determined Jefferson Smith. When he gets to Washington he has every appearance of a little boy going to see his favorite baseball team play for the first time. In the first part of the film he's very passive and very vulnerable, but also very kind, but once he starts to stand up for himself, he exudes power with his performance, and you can see the transition completely.

Jean Arthur is adorable as the cynical yet sweet Saunders, and while the romance between her and Smith is a little underplayed, it's very captivating. Claude Raines also give a brilliant performance as Senator Joseph Paine. You can see the inner struggle of his character in his expressions and his delivery is impeccable. And Harry Carry's reactions as the President of the Senate are priceless. They're subtle but very amusing.

All in all this is a movie that true film buffs absolutely should not miss, as well as anyone who is interested in politics or would like a good lesson in acting.