Swing Vote

1999? Even back then, we knew where things were headed. Prescient or predictable? That Roe v Wade was always so vulnerable, that the Supremes could overturn the law of the land, that women would again have to struggle with other people governing their bodies, relinquishing freedom of choice and the privacy of a decision so personal...who could have thought it. It scares me...what other laws will get overturned? The acting and script do justice to the breadth and depth of debate. Alabama, Texas, Louisiana et al.,...conservative states which call abortion murder, all poor states which neglect those lives once they enter the world, poorly educated, poorly fed, some abused. Prison terms and accusations of murder. Gawd...

This film is an engaged attempt to bring the over-emotionalized arguments pro and against abortion to a plausible, well-balanced and very well formulated compromise. The fact that Andy Garcia - especially because he is a man and the father of three children - lent his name and work to this subject makes him very sympathetic to me.

This film is surely not a court thriller as it is indicated on the cover of the video. However, it manages to show the godlike judges of Supreme Court and their work at their human sides. (good actors!) The story - I have to admit - has its weak points (especially the private life of Judge Kirkland really is sob-stuff). The music is rather annoying.

So, if you want to see a brilliant and gripping story do not waste your time by watching "Swing Vote".

But, if you are interested on the legal side of the problem of abortion, if you want to hear Andy Garcia sing, if you want to see him wearing well-cut, but rather conservative suits, if you want to see his marvellous dark eyes watching fatherly over a really sweet girl's sleep or if you just need a good film to watch while ironing or writing your Christmas cards, go for it.

Since the day I saw this movie several years ago, I have been trying to obtain a copy of it. That it has not received better reviews surprises me. The movie captured my interest on multiple levels……the insight one gains into the behind the scene politics of the judiciary, the fallible human element of judicial decisions, the ludicrousness and simultaneous pragmatism of the law and the influence of personal politics and values on judicial opinion were fascinating. The astounding reality of our times that could put a woman on trial for exerting control over her own body rightly or wrongly, and ultimately (and the clincher for me) the human face of judicial decisions…..the considerations and final balance of judgment we see applied in Andy Garcia's brilliant closing argument are very moving. I highly recommend it.

I truly admire Bruckheimer, Anspaugh, Garcia and the writing duo of Bass and Rusconi for making this movie. They did so in 1999, and 23 years later, Roe vs. Wade has been overturned and the film has suddenly become timely and relevant. In addition to admiring their ambition in tackling such a complicated, political, difficult and worthy subject, there are many fine moments in the film. That said, the overall experience was ruined for me by many unrealistic, unbelievable scenes and some very clumsy dialogue. This subject would have been much better served by a multi-part mini series than a 90 minute feature. With more time it could have been told in a realistic and nuanced way.

This movie was EXCELLENT......of course I am a woman with a thankful knowing that we need a pro-choice court system.......to protect womens health rights. This movie is an excellent depiction of the grim possibilities without such protection. The closing speech Any Garcia makes is remarkable & TRUE!! Our country is in a sad state when the Catholic idea logy seeks to control and deprive women of their right to their own choice about their health and child bearing. Our country is founded on FREEDOMS.of speech.and our right to our own personal choice to bear or not bear children would remain our personal right. Other are not forced to have an abortion...why do they seek to stop those who do??? I'm looking to by a copy !!