The Congressman is a movie that, contrary to its name, has very little to do with politics, and everything to do with finding purpose in a life that had lost just that.
The film follows Charlie Winship (Treat Williams) who, after being accused of anti-Semitic remarks, anti-patriotic conduct, and caught in a rapidly failing marriage, travels to a remote island to solve a problem separate from himself. However, what he doesn’t expect to find is a love for a sleepy island full of its own eccentricities in a world totally removed from the one he’d been living in all his life.
Even though the story is based off of former congressman Robert Mrzek’s life, the events that transpire are more an exploration of what would have happened, had Mrzek been a member of Congress in the age of video phones and the all-encompassing Internet society we live in today. Congressman Winship’s actions are, indeed, caught on camera, and the result is his career virtually imploding as the video goes viral and causes his once followers to lose faith in him, and, in turn, cause him to lose faith in himself.
The beginning of the movie is like slowly wading into a pool of cold water, rather than jumping straight in—it is as though the actors are still figuring out their rhythm, both separate and in concert with one another. But, once they overcame this bumpy patch, it was an enjoyable watch.
One of the best aspects of the film is its cinematography. Many beautiful moments fill the screen, from wide-panel shots showing off the natural beauty of the stunning Monhegan island, to clear, crisp frames of the characters completely immersed in their cozy, rustic lifestyles. The camera captures the most intimate moments between the characters, a favorite of mine being a scene between Winship and his soon-to-be-ex-wife (Atkinson) as they sit nose-to-nose, clutching at each other’s hands as they grasp to hold on to the good things between them, and let go of the rest.
There were times, however, when the great moments were overcast by not-so-great ones, such as long pauses, meant to be meaningful silences, which were more uncomfortable than dramatic. Somewhere in between alluring shots of the horizon over the sea, and a budding love story between Winship and Blanchard (Marvel), one is left to ponder, “where is this going?” While the story remained entertaining and aesthetically pleasing, it’s hard not to wonder what is coming next, as the movie seems to be comprised of many standstill moments, stitched together by an underlying, less urgent storyline.
The most notable feat of all, nevertheless, is the writer’s ability to extract nearly all of the political charge that the film was based upon, and create something light and upbeat instead. Rather than a long, droning film about the ineffectuality of the American political system, The Congressman sheds light on very real issues of today, from preserving sea life, fighting for a chosen way of life, and struggle for one’s human rights.
Overall, The Congressman was a pleasant watch with many lovely moments weaved together to create a film which leaves the audience pleased with the lighthearted entertainment it provides.
-Caira Blackwell
