Monday, June 9, 2008

Treason

Author(s): Toby (N/A)
Treason

Directed by John Sayles
Produced by John Sayles and Brian Grazer
Written by John Sayles and William Goldman

Main Cast

Ed Harris as Eugene Debs
James Woods as Woodrow Wilson
Christopher Lloyd as Champ Clark
Hal Holbrook as Edward White
James Cromwell as Thomas Marshal
Steve Van Zandt as Charles Ruthenberg
John Sayles as Max Eastman

Synopsis: “Eugene Debs was arrested today” read the Max Eastman as he glanced at the New York Times. “For what President Wilson called ‘treason.’” Max Eastman was a Pro-Socialist author in the 1910s. He was a strong Debs supporter, often showing up at Debs’ gregarious and ultimately powerful campaign rallies.

“This is a disgrace.” He said with a frown on his face. He put his New York Times down, and proceeded to work on his latest writing project “Color of life.”

Meanwhile, Eugene Debs sat at his sentencing hearing, as he listened to his sentence. “Do you mind if I say something, Judge?” Asked Debs. The judge said that it was fine, and Debs said a little something.

“Your honor, years ago I recognized my kingship with all living beings, and I made up my mind that I was not one bit better than the meanest on earth. I said then, and I say now, that while there is lower class, I am in it, and while there is a criminal element I am of it, and while there is a soul in prison, I, your honor, am not free. Thank you.”

Despite the eloquent plead, the Judge sentenced Debs to serve ten years in prison, and to be disenfranchised for life.

After meeting with Eastman and a few others, Debs decides to challenge his conviction to the supreme court.

With this announcement, Woodrow Wilson would denounce Debs and all of the other ‘treasonists,’ to the press. He looked distraught and unhappy, but claimed that he was confident that the Supreme Court would hold up the conviction.

At this point, a flashback of the controversial speech is shown. And, Woodrow Wilson’s involvement is shown and explained.

Flash forward again, and Debs is arguing with the Supreme Court. The oral arguments would continue, and Debs was unsuccessful. And the court would vote to continue with the Conviction. Debs is thrown in Jail.

With this, Charles Rothenberg organizes a riot, on May 1st, or mayday, to march for Debs. As the socialist marchers protest, local citizens get involved, and violent riots brake out.

In jail, Debs writes a letter to Max Eastman, saying that in 1920, he will run for President from jail, and asks him, locally to organize support.

When Debs signs his name, the screen goes black, and the film ends.

What the press would say:

“Not since “Eight Men Out,” has John Sayles created such a riveting, intelligent and symbolic historical film, as he does in his latest film, Treason. Treason is about the late 1910s arrest of Socialist activist Eugene Debs (Ed Harris,) by President Woodrow Wilson (James Woods.) Both of these two key roles are done brilliantly, with Harris perfectly showing the fiery public persona of Debs, while, at times, perfectly displaying Debs’ private quiet side. Woods, on the other hand, gives a highly memorable performance as Wilson, though, he isn’t meant to represent the President, he is meant to represent “the man,” or the “big brother.” of the time, as, some have looked at Wilson in retrospect.

In “Treason,” John Sayles is, putting it simply, dead on brilliant. His writing is great., His Directing, Perfect. and His Acting, in a surprise to some, is very good. Treason is a great film, undoubtedly one of the best of the year, and will be one of the big winners come Oscar night.

****/****

Best Picture (Sayles and Grazer)
Best Director (Sayles)
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Ed Harris)
Best Actor in a supporting Role (James Woods)
Best Adapted Screenplay (Sayles and Goldman)

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