Get Out the Vote!

  We should all do our patriotic duty and vote tomorrow, but I think this young lady speaks for most of America (if not the world!) at this point.
  What better way to escape the madness than catching The Godfather and The Godfather Part 2 at IFS tonight and tomorrow night? The opportunity to see these landmark films in the theater where their beautiful, dark cinematography can be appreciated is a welcome one, indeed.
   Coppola and Puzo's meditations on a power, leadership, and above all, family, seem as timely today as they did in 1972, but maybe you're the political junkie type, and you need your fix?

  A Face in the Crowd, from 1957,stars Andy Griffith as an amoral drifter turned media superstar who eventually wields vast political power. It was an atypical role for Griffith, far better known as a patient, wise and loveable Southern gentleman, and he tears into it with relish.

  Bob Roberts was written, directed, and starred in by Tim Robbins in 1992. This faux-documentary of a rightwing folksinger running a corrupt political campaign is every bit as funny and pertinent today as it was in '92.

  1972's, The Candidate, starring Robert Redford and written by a former speechwriter for Senator Eugene McCarthy, traces the slow, steady, erosion of values endemic to politics as Redford's idealistic candidate makes sacrifice after sacrifice to broaden his appeal.

  Finally, we have Election, Alexander Payne's 1999 comedy starring a very young Reese Witherspoon, and a very middle-aged Ferris Bueller(!!). Witherspoon plays the ruthless and relentlessly cheerful Tracy Flick, whose seemingly unstoppable campaign for student body president is opposed by Broderick's high school civics teacher. The fight over the seemingly low-stakes contest reaches dizzying, surreal (and hilarious!) heights.

  Happy election day! I sincerely hope the candidate of your choice prevails, providing it is the same candidate I support!