“A More Perfect Union”, 2020
Director: Paul Howard
This film offers a vivid depiction of the events of the 1787 Constitutional Convention, which led to the creation of the United States Constitution. It focuses on the debates, conflicts, and compromises that were integral to the drafting of this foundational document, providing insight into the diverse personalities and visions that shaped the United States.
Starring: -;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: short film, drama;
Duration: 7 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
“Philadelphia”, 1993
Director: Jonathan Demme
While not solely about the constitution, “Philadelphia” addresses constitutional rights and civil liberties through the lens of a courtroom drama. The film tells the story of a gay lawyer who is fired because of his AIDS diagnosis and his subsequent legal battle for justice, touching on issues of discrimination, privacy, and the right to equal protection under the law.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Antonio Banderas, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen, Joanne Woodward, Charles Napier, Robert Ridgely, Bradley Whitford, Ron Vawter;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 125 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Philadelphia” on the website imdb.com
“National Treasure”, 2004
Director: Jon Turteltaub
This adventurous film, while more entertainment-driven, involves key themes related to the U.S. Constitution. The protagonist, a historian and treasure hunter, follows a series of clues that tie back to the founding fathers and the creation of the United States, with the Declaration of Independence playing a central role. Although not focused directly on the constitution itself, the film weaves in elements of American history and the foundational ideals of the nation.
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Christopher Plummer, David Dayan Fisher, Stewart Finlay-McLennan;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: action, thriller, detective, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 131 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “National Treasure” on the website imdb.com
“RBG”, 2018
Director: Julie Cohen, Betsy West
A documentary that chronicles the life and career of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a prominent advocate for gender equality and women's rights. The film highlights her groundbreaking legal battles and contributions to constitutional law, emphasizing her role in interpreting and upholding the Constitution to advance civil liberties.
Starring: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Ann Kittner, Harryette Helsel, Nina Totenberg, Martin D. Ginsburg, Arthur R. Miller, Clara Spera, Brenda Feigen, James Steven Ginsburg, Jane C. Ginsburg;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: documentary, biography;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “RBG” on the website imdb.com
“The Trial of the Chicago 7”, 2020
Director: Aaron Sorkin
Directed by Aaron Sorkin, this film is based on the infamous 1969 trial of seven defendants charged by the federal government with conspiracy and more, arising from the counter-cultural protests in Chicago at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The film explores themes of justice, free speech, and the constitutional rights to protest and assembly, highlighting the legal and political battles of the era.
Starring: Mark Rylance, Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Frank Langella, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jeremy Strong, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Alex Sharp, John Carroll Lynch, Michael Keaton;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: thriller, biography, drama, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “The Trial of the Chicago 7” on the website imdb.com
These films offer broad perspectives on how constitutions have been debated, interpreted, and lived by those under their frameworks, from the founding of nations to the protection of individual rights within them.
In scrutinizing the cinematic tapestry woven by films about the constitution, it becomes evident that these narratives serve a pivotal role in both educating and engaging the public on the fundamental principles that underpin societal governance and individual freedoms. Through the lens of filmmakers, the abstract and often inaccessible elements of constitutional law are distilled into compelling human stories, allowing for a broader and more nuanced understanding of the legal bedrock of nations. Whether through historical recountings, fictionalized dramas, or thought-provoking documentaries, these films collectively underscore the ongoing struggle to interpret, uphold, and sometimes challenge the constitution. They remind us of the living nature of these founding documents, inviting continual reflection on their application and relevance in the modern era. In so doing, these cinematic endeavors not only enrich our grasp of constitutional matters but also reaffirm the vital role of art and storytelling in the perpetual quest for justice and democracy.
