Confirmation

Venmo Ben I want to comment that the reason that the actress shows the same expressionless expression, sad or happy, is that that WAS Anita Hill. She was expressionless or better said, inmutable. I don't know how old you are but watch the news clips and you will understand my point. If anything her performance is flat out perfect.

We live in the world where certain words became symbols that stand out way above the original meaning. When we use words like conservative and progressive it stirs up immediate reaction depending which side one belongs to. And what a perfect timing to see this movie. The Supreme Court overtaken by the far right is about to reshape our world and force us to live in their version of Christian morality. What a terrifying prospect. The confirmation of Clarence Thomas 31 year ago explains the root of his angry vengeance upon the rest of us. The movie is precise and almost seems like a newsreel from times bygone. My only quibble would be that the two leading actors weren't strong enough to stand above the rest of the cast. They did a very fine job, but this story needed way more than that. What's happening to us all could be best described by the title of a great American novel. "An American Tragedy", by Theodore Dreiser. Yes, a tragedy of our own making, the worst kind.

I love Kerry Washington as Anita Hill, I never knew the hold story thanks to this movie, I understand Professor Anita Hill and her position and the stand she took. This movie is compelling, intense, riveting. Kerry Washington was outstanding, I now see that the government will do anything to protect whom they will no bars held, this is also appallingly and despicable that we entrust these people with our US and why this country is a total mess! I am hurt and feel mentally abuse as a woman watching this powerful movie.

I also learned that at my work place as a Security Officer, I get unwanted sexual advances from people I don't even know every day. Not once do these people think how they have disrespected or hurt me in any kind of way. My co-worker's call it "trying to Holla at someone" and laugh it off ! If anyone is talking under anyone's clothes or talking sexually when its unwanted or trying to force me to have conversation when I say I'm not interested to me that's sexual harassment. This movie brought out so much pertinent information about the face of sexual harrassment.

Watching this post Roe v. Wade overturn is pretty heartbreaking. So many people so many senators knowingly let this happen. It really shows how politicians focus on power, money and winning but not what's right.

The movie itself is a credible by-the-numbers presentation of the firestorm that was the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings from the early 1990's. Where the made for t.v. movie really shines is in its character portrayals.

Anita Hill is shown as a martyr; Clarence Thomas is portrayed as a creep, but not a criminal; Senator Biden is played as a well meaning boob; Senator Simpson comes off as out of touch; Senator Dansforth seems loyal to a fault; and the presidential administration looks to not care if the charges leveled against their nominee are true or not.

While not exactly covering any new ground, the film at least appears to give a fig leaf to not choosing a side (though it leans in favor of Anita Hill). It's not a hatchet job, which is something actually worthy of praise these days.

All in all, it's a solid film, and doesn't try too hard to create its own narrative. Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours on a weekend.