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

Missing The Point

When watching films set around the world of US politics, us Britishers are sometimes a little non plussed by the way the system works there. Films like this make me realise that politics and the media are made for each other and the relationship that has grown up around these two massive institutions has become so powerful as to make each organisation totally reliant upon the other - it is symbiotic if not parasitic.

Congratulations to the makers of this film, they point out, as did the original book, the dangers that lie ahead. Satire is a great tool and is not used enough in US movies, Michael Moore is doing his bit I suppose, but generally we are fed a bland diet. Thanks for this touch of spice.

James Garner, superb and restrained in his acting. John Badham, didn't try to 'Hollywood' the movie. And for those who didnt like it, well you are probably part of the problem.