Washington, D.C. is not known for its breathtaking tourist spots like Paris, nor its cool, hip atmosphere like New York City, but whenever the nation’s capital is portrayed in film, it’s often a political film revolving around the trials of a fictional president dealing with fictional issues that are umbrella statements on the flaws of our modern society. When it’s not on a fictional president, D.C. films are biopics on real historical events that involve, yes, a U.S. president. But, contrary to popular belief, there are films set in D.C. that have nothing to do with U.S. presidents that the Scene has happily provided for you.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Released in 1939, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” is the quintessential D.C. movie from which most modern political films can trace their influence. Jimmy Stewart brings his “aw-shucks” Boy Scout demeanor to D.C., playing idealistic, newly appointed Sen. Jefferson Smith, who arrives to D.C. only to discover the rampant corruption within the political system. “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” is a classic, delivering a great story, interesting characters and flawless performances.
Jean Arthur plays the stereotypical ambitious, cynical secretary who is stuck with the naïve Mr. Smith as he tries to battle the system. Of course, she has a change of heart as she witnesses his dedication to his cause and becomes his love interest. Many stereotypes originated in this film, but they are best and most authentic in this original incarnation. The filibuster scene rivals no other, and Stewart delivers one of his best performances.
St. Elmo’s Fire
Perhaps it’s not the best of the Brat Pack movies, but “St. Elmo’s Fire” is certainly one of the most iconic. Not to mention it’s also set in D.C. Starring ‘80s staples such as Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson and Ally Sheedy, “St. Elmo’s Fire” tells the story of a group of Georgetown University grads who struggle from post-grad disillusionment and general angst. “St. Elmo’s Fire” makes D.C. look considerably cooler and more comparable to one of those “pretty young adults finding themselves in the city” films that often take place in New York. The fact that some of these characters actually got into Georgetown is questionable, but “St. Elmo’s Fire” is heartwarming and entertaining enough to be a favorable representation of the struggles of young, beautiful people in the heart of our nation’s capital.
The Exorcist
A staircase in Georgetown was where a pivotal scene in “The Exorcist” was filmed, and has gained enough of a following to become a minor tourist spot. Loosely based on a true story, “The Exorcist” is about an actress who recruits a priest at Georgetown University to perform an exorcism on her 12-year-old daughter. It is one of the most iconic horror films of all time, and even 40 years after its release, remains a source of extreme terror to all who watch it.
State of Play
An underrated movie with an all-star cast including Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, Ben Affleck and Helen Mirren, “State of Play” is a 2009 remake of a BBC mini-series about a journalist who discovers a government conspiracy after the murder of a politician’s mistress. It’s a riveting movie that features some excellent performances from Russell Crowe (chubbier and a little more wrinkled than usual) and Rachel McAdams (bright and perky as always), as well as an obligatory cameo by Ben’s Chili Bowl. “State of Play” is intriguing, well-made and brilliantly cast. The fact that this movie nearly disappeared from the mainstream awareness after its release is almost unforgivable, because it is such an unexpectedly good movie. It successfully blends journalism and politics into an old-fashioned mystery that grabs viewers, making D.C. and government conspiracies seem ultimately cool.
Thank You for Smoking
“Thank You for Smoking” is a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek movie by Jason Reitman, the director of such comedic fare as “Juno” and “Up in the Air.” It’s another underrated and under-seen movie starring Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart), a cigarette spokesperson who maneuvers his way through politics, big business and child-raising with a comfortable smirk on his face. However, once he gets involved with an ambitious reporter (Katie Holmes), he starts losing his grip on the lies he spins to keep his lifestyle going. “Thank You for Smoking” is a sharp, funny film on the world of controversial big businesses and its spokespeople. The wry humor never gets old, such as the hilariously-titled “Merchants of Death” that Nick is a part of (the other members include alcohol and guns). The D.C. setting is subtle, almost barely noticeable, but consistently present and an important part of the story.
hbui@theeagleonline.com
