Realizing I'm not a Frank Capra Fan

‘SUP, NERDS?!

I haven’t written about movies recently and well, there’s something finally worth discussing. Upon recently watching Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, I've concluded that I am not a Frank Capra fan.

No disrespect to the man, this is still an awesome movie! However, I certainly don’t jive with Capra’s story direction. You may remember a little blurb about It's a Wonderful Life last Christmas, but after seeing Mr. Smith these feelings I've discussed in the past have only been reinforced.

The Premise

Our lovely protagonists working to pass a bill.

The fantastic Jimmy Stewart stars as Jeff Smith, a seasoned leader of the Boy Rangers, who is appointed to represent in the Senate. Smith is well-loved, good guy who would make for an excellent image in the Senate, but he is selected primarily for his lack of experience in politics, ultimately making him easy to manipulate.

His fellow state senator, Joseph Paine played by Claude Rains, was a good friend of Jeff's father. Buuuuuut, he secretly supports corrupt businessmen despite his good reputation. More importantly though, his daughter is hot. And totally single. (Smith really likes her.)

As Smith begins his new career, his assistant Saunders takes him for a complete fool. It really brings her to question her career, personal life and the American political machine. But Smith's optimism and respect towards women really grows on her...

Although Smith is what us modern folk call a n00b, he proposes to build a new Boy Rangers camp exactly where his political opponents plan to build a money-grubbing dam. The film focuses on Paine and his partners first attempting to trick Smith into supporting the dam to later wreck every aspect of his life as he defends his camp project.

Pacing & Art Direction

The thing with old films is that they are much slower than modern movies. I don't count that against the film, but I love how dialogue driven the movie is. It felt interesting throughout and every scene contributes in some way. Time isn't wasted.

There's a montage prominently listed in the opening credits which I looked forward to seeing. The montage is the only part of the film that feels slowed down as Smith soaks in the monuments of D.C. when he first arrives. It poured patriotism into my heart and demonstrates how much of a good boi Smith is.

I am particularly impressed by the use of sets and scenery. I love that the scenes at the Lincoln Memorial were actually filmed there. There were many pivotal moments in that location. The Senate is an incredible set that gets a lot of miles with interesting angles and feels energetic. I am most fond of the revolving spectators and being able to see reactions from the crowds.

One of my favorite shots is when Smith has a conversation with Paine's daughter. The camera is set on a closeup of Smith's hat as he fumbles around, unable to contain his feelings for her. Not quite dramatic as this scene, but the hat fumbling continues later in the film as Smith expresses romantic feelings.

Another detail I adore: Smith's 5 o'clock shadow that appears near the end of the filibuster. *mic drop*

Story & Acting

So what has made me realize that I'm not a Frank Capra fan is that his films are too happy. Is that such a thing? I don't consider myself an pessimistic person, but parts of the movie were so cheesy. I'm glad I watched It's a Wonderful Life first, knowing he is a bit of a cornball, but I couldn't help but cringe when Senate-henchmen were injuring children and Smith's general positivity & naivety. Although I loved watching the movie, perhaps I don't agree with the interpretation of the message? I do believe we can make great changes in America, but Smith is such an unrealistic character that I cannot imagine surviving our government.

What's not to love about Jean Arthur??

Apparently it took a while for Capra to find a someone to buy Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and it also received poor reception from politicians and journalists alike. During pre-screenings they would complain that the film portrayed them as villains and crooks. With the current midterm elections, this film couldn't have been re-released through Fathom Events at a more perfect time because it does show how awful 99.9% of our politicians are. An older couple who sat a few rows ahead of me in the empty theatre commented, "We really wish more people showed. This movie is too real."

Aside from my issues with the film feeling too unrealistic, there's an all-star cast. I am a huge Jimmy Stewart fan, but Jean Arthur steals the screen. She is such a strong female lead and well-respected character for her career and intelligence. Not to mention, she's a beauty with such a cute, croaky voice and a strong fashion sense. Arthur can go one scene as a powerful person into another as the comedic centerpiece. Hands down, best character.

To not dismiss the talent of the other actors, but I recognized nearly everyone in the film and they all felt convincing. The children were also stellar as I often giggled at well-executed jokes and lines.

CONCLUSIONARY THOUGHTS

I loved and hated It's a Wonderful Life. Capra is just too positive, but he has such great art direction and he certainly knows how to cast. I highly urge you all to give Mr. Smith Goes to Washington a chance. It's well paced and the characters are charming or equally awful in their own ways.

LATER, DWEEBS!

Loverly Liz