Introduction
“Washington, You’re Fired!” is a documentary film released in 2008, directed by William Lewis. This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the film, drawing upon available research to examine its production history, plot, main figures, critical reception, performance metrics, and technical aspects. By synthesizing information from various online sources, this analysis seeks to offer a detailed understanding of the film’s context, content, and impact.
Production History
The production of “Washington, You’re Fired!” took place in 2008, a year marked by significant political discourse in the United States, including a presidential election and intense debates surrounding the ongoing Iraq War and national security policies. This socio-political climate likely served as a backdrop and impetus for a film critically examining governmental actions. The film’s title, echoing the famous catchphrase of Donald Trump from the reality television show “The Apprentice” , immediately signals a commentary on leadership and potentially the state of American politics at the time. This connection suggests an intent to resonate with a broad audience familiar with contemporary media and political figures.
The film was produced by BridgeStone Media Group and William Lewis Films. The involvement of William Lewis Films, presumably the director’s own production company, indicates a strong personal investment in the film’s subject matter. William Lewis is known for specializing in “patriotic-style documentaries that expose governmental abuse of power” , suggesting that “Washington, You’re Fired!” aligns with his established thematic focus and directorial vision. This director-led production often points to a project driven by a specific message and concern for the issues presented. While specific budget details are unavailable from the provided resources, the nature of independent documentaries often implies a production operating with limited financial backing compared to major studio releases.
According to IMDb , the film was shot in the United States. However, specific filming locations are not detailed within the provided snippets. Given the documentary’s focus on national-level politics and legislation, it is plausible that filming took place in Washington D.C., and potentially other locations across the country where interviews with various individuals were conducted.
Considering the film’s critical stance on governmental actions and the director’s specialization in exposing “governmental abuse of power” , the production likely faced challenges inherent in navigating sensitive political topics. Securing interviews with government officials or individuals holding opposing viewpoints might have presented difficulties. Furthermore, documentaries with critical perspectives on established powers sometimes encounter resistance or limited distribution within mainstream media outlets. The film’s message, which questions the narrative surrounding the ‘war on terrorism’ and its impact on civil liberties , could have further contributed to these challenges.
Plot of “Washington, You’re Fired!”
The plot of “Washington, You’re Fired!” centers on a critical examination of the erosion of constitutional rights and civil liberties in the United States following the September 11th terrorist attacks. The film scrutinizes key pieces of legislation enacted in the aftermath of 9/11, including the USA PATRIOT Act, the Military Commissions Act, and the John Warner Defense Act, arguing that these bills have significantly weakened the foundational principles of the U.S. Constitution and the freedoms Americans once took for granted.
The documentary delves into specific areas of concern, such as the alleged loss of Habeas Corpus, which protects individuals from unlawful detention, and the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits the use of the military for domestic law enforcement. The film also addresses a new definition of torture, which it presents as a problematic development in the context of American values and legal standards. Furthermore, the plot examines HR 1955, a proposed bill that the film suggests would introduce “thought crime laws” for the first time, potentially infringing upon Americans’ right to freedom of conscience and thought.
Drawing upon first-hand testimony and whistleblower accounts, as highlighted by the Peace Resource Project , the film challenges the official ‘war on terrorism’ narrative. It explores constitutional issues related to events such as the Hurricane Katrina disaster, alleged illegal spying programs by the President, NSA data-mining activities, the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) court, and the purported illegal wiretapping of millions of American citizens.
The Amazon description indicates that the film not only presents these critical perspectives but also lays out a “blueprint for a peaceful revolution” aimed at reclaiming governmental control. The film features interviews with notable figures such as constitutional attorney Jonathan Turley, who likely provides legal analysis of the issues, and 2008 Presidential Candidate Cynthia McKinney, who offers a political viewpoint and endorses the film’s call to action to “RUN FOR OFFICE!”. This emphasis on citizen involvement suggests a central message of civic engagement and the need for individuals to actively participate in safeguarding their constitutional rights.
The underlying themes of the film include the delicate balance between national security and civil liberties, the importance of government accountability, the power of citizen empowerment, and the enduring significance of constitutional rights in American society. The film’s message appears to be a call for vigilance and action to protect these fundamental principles from perceived threats and erosion.
Main Characters
As a documentary, “Washington, You’re Fired!” does not feature fictional characters but rather presents real individuals who offer their perspectives and expertise on the film’s subject matter. The primary figures guiding the narrative and providing commentary can be considered the main characters.
William Lewis, the writer, director, producer, and narrator of the film , serves as the central voice, steering the documentary’s arguments and presenting information to the audience. His established focus on exposing governmental abuse of power suggests a strong personal motivation for creating this film.
Jonathan Turley, Charles Goyette, and Ann Wright are credited as stars on IMDb. Jonathan Turley, a renowned constitutional law attorney, likely offers legal expertise and analysis, lending credibility to the film’s examination of constitutional issues. Charles Goyette is likely an economic or political commentator who provides insights into the broader context of the film’s themes. Ann Wright, a former U.S. Army Colonel and diplomat known for her anti-war activism, likely offers a critical perspective on government policies related to national security and military actions.
Cynthia McKinney, a 2008 Presidential Candidate, is also a key figure, as highlighted in the Amazon description. Her endorsement of the film and participation in interviews suggest she provides a political perspective, potentially resonating with viewers concerned about the direction of American governance.
These individuals, driven by concerns about the state of American democracy and constitutional rights, play crucial roles in the film by offering their knowledge and viewpoints. Their collective testimonies and analyses serve to build a case against perceived government overreach and advocate for citizen engagement. While their perspectives may evolve or deepen as the film progresses, their primary motivation appears to be to inform the public and encourage action to protect fundamental American values.
Critical Reviews
Critical reception of “Washington, You’re Fired!” appears to be positive among viewers who are interested in its political themes and message. An eBay listing for the DVD describes it as a “masterpiece movie” with an “exceptional storyline” centered on “political intrigue and conspiracy,” indicating a favorable view from at least one seller and likely reflecting the sentiments of some buyers.
Similarly, customer reviews on Amazon are largely positive. Viewers have described the film as a “great documentary” and a “great film” that is both educational and worth repeated viewing. One reviewer specifically noted its value as an educational tool, while another expressed agreement with the film’s message. These reviews suggest that the film resonates with an audience concerned about the issues it raises and that it is perceived as informative and persuasive.
However, the provided snippets do not contain any professional critical reviews from mainstream film critics. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the film’s broader critical reception is currently limited. It is possible that the film, given its potentially controversial subject matter and independent nature, did not receive extensive coverage from mainstream media outlets.
Box Office Performance
Information regarding the box office performance of “Washington, You’re Fired!” is not available within the provided research snippets. Given the film’s documentary nature and its focus on potentially controversial political topics, it is plausible that it did not have a wide theatrical release and therefore did not generate significant box office earnings.
Documentaries, particularly those with a strong political or social commentary, often follow a different distribution model than mainstream narrative films. They may have limited runs in independent theaters, film festivals, or community screenings, and often find a larger audience through DVD sales, streaming platforms, or grassroots distribution efforts. The film’s message, which challenges established government narratives, might have further limited its appeal to a broad commercial audience. Without specific data, it is difficult to assess its commercial success, but it is likely that its impact was measured more by its ability to reach and influence a specific segment of the population interested in its political analysis.
Factual Data and Ratings
Factual data and ratings for “Washington, You’re Fired!” can be found on online movie databases. On IMDb , the film holds a rating of 5.7 out of 10, based on 9 user ratings. This rating suggests a mixed reception from the small number of users who have evaluated it on this platform.
Information regarding the film’s rating on TMDB is not present in the provided snippets, and further research would be necessary to obtain this data. Similarly, no rating for “Washington, You’re Fired!” was found on Rotten Tomatoes within the provided material.
The limited number of ratings on IMDb suggests that the film may not have reached a large audience or garnered widespread attention on major movie rating platforms. Popularity metrics for the film on these platforms would provide further context regarding its current visibility and interest among online communities.
Cast of “Washington, You’re Fired!”
The cast of “Washington, You’re Fired!” primarily consists of individuals who appear as themselves, offering expert commentary and personal perspectives related to the film’s themes.
| Name | Role | Character Portrayed |
|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Turley | Star, Interviewee | Himself |
| Charles Goyette | Star, Interviewee | Himself |
| Ann Wright | Star, Interviewee | Herself |
| William Lewis | Director, Producer, Writer, Narrator, Interviewee | Himself |
| Keith Abel | Producer, Writer, Interviewee | Himself |
| Cynthia McKinney | Interviewee, Endorser | Herself |
This table provides an overview of the key individuals involved in the film, highlighting their roles in bringing this documentary to fruition and the perspectives they offer on the complex political and constitutional issues explored.
Cinematography
Specific information regarding the cinematography of “Washington, You’re Fired!” is not available within the provided research snippets. As a documentary focused on presenting factual information, expert opinions, and potentially archival footage, the film’s visual style likely prioritizes clarity and effectiveness in conveying its message over elaborate or stylistically prominent cinematography.
In documentary filmmaking, the primary goal is often to present information in a straightforward and accessible manner. Camera work typically supports the narrative by clearly capturing interviews, showcasing relevant documents or visuals, and establishing context through wider shots if necessary. Lighting aims for a natural or well-lit appearance to ensure the subjects are clearly visible and the information is easily discernible. Framing is generally conventional, focusing on the speaker during interviews and providing necessary context for any presented evidence.
Given the director’s background in politically charged documentaries , the cinematography would likely serve to enhance the storytelling by ensuring the credibility and impact of the presented information. While not explicitly detailed in the snippets, it can be inferred that the visual style would be functional and supportive of the film’s analytical and persuasive aims.
Conclusion
“Washington, You’re Fired!” (2008) presents a critical examination of American politics and constitutional rights in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. Through interviews with legal experts, political figures, and activists, the film raises concerns about the erosion of civil liberties due to post-9/11 legislation and government actions. The film’s title and content suggest a strong political commentary, aligning with director William Lewis’s focus on exposing governmental overreach. While the film appears to have resonated with a specific audience interested in its political analysis, its overall reach and critical reception from mainstream sources remain less clear based on the available information. The limited number of ratings on IMDb indicates a niche audience, and the absence of box office data suggests a likely limited theatrical release. Ultimately, “Washington, You’re Fired!” serves as a cinematic commentary on a significant period in American history, aiming to inform and potentially mobilize viewers concerned about the balance between security and freedom.