The Congressman (2016)

Maine Congressman Charlie Winship has had a bad day. After being caught on video failing to stand and recite the pledge of allegiance, he knocks out another House member, confronts his ... See full summary »

Directors:

Jared Martin, Robert Mrazek

Writer:

Robert Mrazek

Stars:

Treat Williams, Elizabeth Marvel, Ryan Merriman

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Treat Williams	...	Charlie Winship
Elizabeth Marvel	...	Rae Blanchard
Ryan Merriman	...	Jared Barnes
Chris Conroy	...	Ben
George Hamilton	...	Laird Devereaux
Marshall Bell	...	Sherm Hawkins
Fritz Weaver	...	Harlan Lantier
Jayne Atkinson	...	Casey Winship
Kim Blacklock	...	Matty Pierce
Josh Mostel	...	Bernie Gimpel
Cindy Lentol	...	Holly Dean
Miriam A. Hyman	...	Abigail Ross
Alison Wachtler	...	Deidre Macavoy
Alexander Cook	...	Washington Lobbyist
Bradley J. Van Dussen	...	Gym Congressman

Storyline

Maine Congressman Charlie Winship has had a bad day. After being caught on video failing to stand and recite the pledge of allegiance, he knocks out another House member, confronts his angry ex-wife, and faces denunciation by the media for attacking one of the most cherished patriotic symbols in America. As his life spirals out of control, Charlie embarks on a journey to a remote island in the Atlantic whose eccentric inhabitants are in the middle of a shooting war over their fishing grounds. Treat Williams stars as The Congressman in this humorous and moving film that raises the important question of what it means to be an American.

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some language and brief sexual material

Did You Know?

Trivia

All the equipment on the lobster boats is real - the actors spent two days learning how to handle baiting and lowering then raising lobster traps - a dangerous process that can involve the loss of equipment or even a hand if not done properly.

---

Goofs

Catatonk Island is supposed to be 20 miles off-shore. This can not be true. There is a scene from the island that shows the mainland in the distance across the ocean. Mohegan Island, where the film was actually shot, is 12 nautical miles (22 km) off-shore, just within the critical distance for being able to see "over" the horizon when viewed from the elevated cliffs. If the island was truly 20 miles off-shore one would not see the mainland just ocean.

---

Quotes

Charlie Winship: You know when we're young we think we're going all the way to the top. And then somewhere along the journey most men look up at the summit and they realize that they are never going to get there. So... they stop to enjoy the view.

---

Soundtracks

This Is The Time
End Credits Song
Written by Thomas Hien & Wolf Wolff
Performed by Thomas Hien
Courtesy of Defend Music

User Reviews

What can happen in life if we value our own integrity, say what we mean, mean what we say.

35 years ago Robert Mrazek was quoted as saying that a successful screen play should contain a lot of sex and violence or else be "damned good." The latter is the case with "The Congressman," his long-awaited cinematic debut. The violence in "The Congressman" is subtle, the sexuality implied. Mrazek doesn't preach at us as Sorkin might have. He transforms character flaws into cautionary tales, he tells us what can happen in life if we value our own integrity, say what we mean, mean what we say. Take out a few f-bombs and "The Congressman" might serve as a means to teach our children and grandchildren what government service should be all about.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 April 2016 (USA)

Also Known As:

Catatonk Blues

Filming Locations:

Maine, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$14,260, 1 May 2016

Gross USA:

$71,451

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$71,451

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Color:

Color (digital) Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1