Query: Constitutional Freedom in Film--two responses

From: Bond, Cynthia <[email protected]>

As a scholar working on images of law in film, I would recommend that you
start by defining what you mean by "constitutional freedom." Do you mean
movies that focus on specific amendments in the bill of rights?  Movies
that reflect a "3 branches" government of checks and balances (e.g. "Mr.
Smith Goes to Washington.")? Obviously, you're going to find many movies
that address, directly or indirectly, first amendment rights of free speech
(e.g. "The People vs. Larry Flynt.") Other movies may more indirectly imply
rights.

If you're planning on using mainstream Hollywood movies (which are often
probably the easiest way to reach undergrads), I would recommend extreme
caution, as movies like "Amistad" and most others grossly distort the
Constitution, portraying it as a freedom-loving core of America, rather
than a document which protected slave ownership. I may be able to point you
to some contextualizing articles  for such films if you want to contact me
off-list.

Good luck!
My recent articles are available here: http://ssrn.com/author=378742

Cynthia D. Bond
Clinical Professor
Lawyering Skills Program
The John Marshall Law School
315 S. Plymouth Ct.
Chicago, IL  60604
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From: Lois Siegel <[email protected]>

See his [Wiseman's] other films. He's outstanding.
http://www.zipporah.com/wiseman

Lois