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

Could this happen? Could the press hijack and election?

The basic premise of four journalists discarding the rules of a presidential debate to instead "attack" one of the candidates is not far-fetched, but raises the question, "Could something like this happen?" Despite the rhetoric that journalists "have a responsibility" and it's the "voters who will decide" the election, the fact remains that media drives public opinion. James Garner does an excellent job as an aging journalist who truly believes what he does is right. I wish that the conservative journalist's private life storyline had either been developed or left out; the teaser was annoying and useless. The ending is surprising, not for what it is, but that it was allowed to happen. Regardless your political inclinations or your attitude about the media, this movie is worth watching.