Confirmation

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.

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 had heard a little about the story but generally speaking I was new to the details of it. As such I found it to be a completely engaging and interesting film with great performances.

Knowing how politics deteriorated even more after this was and is somewhat depressing.

If you are strong for either side of the political fence you will get frustrated by the story. For those free of politics is great!

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.

This is a television film, a political-thriller-drama from the director of 'Dope'. Inspired by the real 1991 event when president Bush nominated the judge Clarence Thomas to the supreme court. Followed by a former employee Anita Hill, came forward claiming Thomas sexually harassed her while working for him back then which brings an enquiry on the issue before any big decision regarding his new post. Both the sides fight, but it's her alone against the president backing team. How the hearing ends and who wins it disclosed in the remaining part.

Good cast, but Kerry Washington was reason the film to shine. Her performance reminded me Julianne Moore as Sarah Palin from 'Game Change'. She won the Emmy Awards for that and now I believe Kerry Washington has a chance to do the same. Apart from her, the story did not look good. It opened so well, followed by strong middle part and then the last act last its charm quickly. Because it was all about one alleging against another and he keeps rejecting them, but that twist I expected never came or its powerful dialogues. Even though it was beautifully made.

The reason the movie staying neutral is might be the actual result of the trial. So they kept balancing the contents throughout the narration, yet the as the viewers, we can understand the guilty feelings from the suspect's face. That's how the film silently gives its own verdict regarding whatever the real one was. One of the best television film, but due to its weak conclusion, the people are dissatisfied. Still, it is a good watch, if you are interested in politics to learn how ugly and at a same time how silly it is.

7/10