Mr Smith Goes to Washington essays

Mr Smith Goes to Washington essays Frank Capras controversial 1939 film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington tells the story of a young, naive and inexperienced politician who is brought to Washington to replace the recently-deceased fictional Senator Samuel Foley. The film has a number of themes, but one that stands out beyond most is the idea that the press controls the publics opinion of a politician. They can make one out to be either a dedicated, hard-working public servant or a self-centered, power-hungry individual. Through the use of characters such as Governer Hopper, Jim Taylor, Senator Paine, and Chick McGann, we see how Capra views politics in Washington. When Mr. Smith (James Stewart) is appointed, he is unable to recognize why he was chosen. However, we soon find out that it is not because of Smiths desire to work in Washington that he was hired- or his values- but rather the fact that, as a young and naive kid, Hopper and Taylor feel that hell be an easy person to influence and vote for their corrupt Willet Creek Dam project. Smiths first encounter with the press turns out to be a disaster. He is asked what projects he would like to push and then takes the opportunity to reveal his plans for a summer boys camp. He also jokes around with the press by making birdcalls. The headlines in the next-mornings paper are taken out of context and are intended to make Smith look like a fool. When Smith is about to be sworn in, an opposing member of Congress appeals his confirmation because of the way he is portrayed in the papers. He feels that Smith brings shame to the office, but Paine quickly defends him. Smith later sees the paper and is outraged at how the press portrayed him. He rushes over to the Press Club and physically and verbally attacks the writers. One of them, after bringing Smith under control, says something particularly telling about the media. In response to Smith&...