My Review:

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Review

As a film critic it is easy to review films that fail as art and as entertainment. We magnify imperfections, subtle or jarring, and take joy in observing the failures of a movie. And yet for however easy it is to communicate our hate for a bad film it is nearly impossible to express our appreciation of a film that inspires us. Frank Capra’s 1939 classic is not meant to be written about in articles or papers because the lasting impact transcends these outlets. Instead it is meant to be appreciated and remembered. And yet here I am attempting to review an “un-reviewable” film.
Jimmy Stewart plays Jefferson Smith, a simple man elected senator. He is a puppet of a political machine, intentionally uninformed and manipulated by fellow senator Joseph Paine (Claude Rains) to vote and act in the party’s favor. Stewart highlights Smith’s naivety in a performance that is based on stammering statements, shaking hands, and a soft voice. Behind Smith’s humble persona lays a burning passion for his country and a staunch belief in its ideals. Capra heavily imposes Smith’s patriotism into the film; he devotes a lengthy montage to the monuments and memorials of the capital. This doesn’t feel overbearing because the audience focuses at Smith’s genuine awe at these sights rather than feeling like they are watching a tourist video.
Smith’s motivations in the senate are in themselves innocent and in the interest of a group of children known as “rangers” he cares so much about. His project for a summer camp on a sprawling piece of land is hampered when opposing interests have invested efforts and resources into that area for their own purpose. Jefferson Smith is a character who does not have any character flaws or malice. Screenwriter Lewis R. Foster places this thoroughly wholesome character against impossible odds (propaganda newspapers, deal making senators, and senate investigations) and effectively creates drama. The film realizes the actual dispute is not of importance nor is the end verdict on the disputed land, but rather the film wisely chooses to focus on Smith’s determination against his unstoppable adversary.
For hours and hours Smith makes his case, sitting down or a cease in his arguments would break the filibuster and he would lose the control of the senate floor. These scenes are etched cinematic history. Relying on master rhetoric and Stewart’s captivating performance the dramatic climax in the senate, intercut with the media’s response and the response in Smith’s home town, is mesmerizing. The viewer hinges on Smith’s every desperate word to the crowded room. “Either I’m dead right, or I’m crazy!” he shouts. While his optimism and purity is instrumental to the success of the film equal credit must be given to the forces that oppose him. Claude Rains as Smith’s foil, Senator Joseph Paine, turns in a memorable performance. Rains magnificently captures the moral crisis Paine’s faces; he is conflicted between fighting for the noble cause at this late point in his life and career or continue being subservient to the corrupt higher powers. The struggle is a fascinating one to watch on screen and the ultimate choice he makes at the end of the film unfolds powerfully.
Many films are filmed beautifully, written masterfully, or profoundly acted. While Mr. Smith Goes to Washington succeeds on all the basic levels of what constitutes a great film, it goes above and beyond these requirements by genuinely inspiring the viewer. It is a film that never fails to uplift or to be forgotten after so many years.

Bottom Line
10/10

Pros
A cinematic masterpiece
A memorable performance by the great Jimmy Stewart
Plethora of memorable scenes and quotes
A feel good film that leaves you feeling good

Cons
One ridiculous scene in which Jefferson Smith punches several people in the face (however for many the prospect of Jimmy Stewart punching people in the face could be filed under the “pros” list)

Cast
Jimmy Stewart
Claude Rains
Jean Arthur
Edward Arnold

Directed by Frank Capra

That was one goddamn hell of a show.
There Will Be Blood