The Last Debate (TV 2000)

Four members of the media are chosen as moderator and panel for the single televised debate of presidential candidates one week before the election. These four use the debate forum as never... See full summary »

Director:

John Badham

Writers:

Jim Lehrer (book), Jon Maas (teleplay)

Stars:

James Garner, Peter Gallagher, Audra McDonald

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
James Garner	...	Mike Howley
Peter Gallagher	...	Tom Chapman
Audra McDonald	...	Barbara Manning
Donna Murphy	...	Joan Naylor
Marco Sanchez	...	Henry Ramirez
Dorian Harewood	...	Brad Lily
Jack Turpin	...	Michael Riley
Bruce Gray	...	Governor Paul L. Greene
Stephen Young	...	Richard Meredith
Lawrence Dane	...	Sidney Robert Mulvane
Djanet Sears	...	Nancy Dewey
Peter Donaldson	...	Jeff Grayson
John Badham	...	Don Beard
Leslie Carlson	...	Pat Tubbs
Maggie Huculak	...	Gwyn Garrison

Storyline

Four members of the media are chosen as moderator and panel for the single televised debate of presidential candidates one week before the election. These four use the debate forum as never before, resulting in what critics call a hijacking of the electoral process.

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Plot Keywords:

presidential candidate | political scandal | political system | media manipulation | based on book

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Taglines:

A conspiracy of reporters. A candidate with a hidden past. Not every assassin uses a gun.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 November 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

Confrontation finale

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Network Television Productions, Scott Free Productions, Showtime Networks

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Missed the point?

Okay this is a TV movie, and there is a reason director John Badlam isn't a household name. There are many pot shots that could be taken about the script, the editing and the some choices from the director. Personally with in that context I thought the acting was quite good. But the point of the movie everybody tends over look: We have mixed entertainment with our politics to a degree it is at times impossible to figure out where one starts and other begins. The movie asks is this blending of that line harming our democracy? And while the point and even the story could have been better told, the point shouldn't be over looked due the movies technical limitations.