Movies About Congress

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Dark Knight is a 2008 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan. It stars Christian Bale as Batman, Heath Ledger as the Joker, Gary Oldman as Commissioner Gordon, Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes, Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent, and Michael Caine as Alfred. The film follows Batman as he attempts to protect Gotham City from a criminal mastermind known as the Joker. Along the way, Batman must battle opposing forces, including those within his own organization, and confront a rising criminal named Two-Face. The Dark Knight is a dramatic, action-packed crime thriller that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. It is widely regarded as one of the best superhero films of all time and has helped to redefine the genre.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
Rated R

Memento (2000) follows Leonard (Guy Pearce), a man with short-term memory loss, as he seeks revenge for the murder of his wife. He uses notes, tattoos, and Polaroid photos to track down her killer. He is aided by two people who may not be as helpful as they appear: Teddy (Joe Pantoliano), who claims to be a former police officer, and Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss), a mysterious bartender who helps Leonard piece together his investigation. As Leonard moves closer to finding the killer, more and more of the mysterious circumstances surrounding his wife’s death are revealed. In the end, Leonard discovers the truth about his wife's death and his own identity.

From Errol Morris, starring Robert McNamara, John F. Kennedy, Fidel Castro, Richard Nixon
Rated PG-13

The Fog of War is an Academy Award-winning documentary film by director Errol Morris. The film follows the life and career of former US Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara as he reflects on his time in the government and his role in the Vietnam War. Through interviews and archival footage, McNamara reflects on his decisions, his views on war, and the lessons he has learned. The film also covers McNamara's involvement in other major events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, his work in the Ford Motor Company, and his life after leaving the government. The Fog of War is a thought-provoking and introspective look at one man's journey through history and sheds light on the complexities of war and its consequences.

From Directors: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson, starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow
Rated PG

Shrek is an animated comedy film from 2001 directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson. The film follows the story of a grumpy and reclusive ogre, Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers), who embarks on a quest to save his swamp from the intruding fairy tale creatures that have been banished by the villainous Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). Along the way, he meets an unlikely companion, the talkative Donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy), and together they journey to Farquaad's kingdom, Duloc. Shrek uses his wit and strength to battle Farquaad and ultimately rescue Princess Fiona (voiced by Cameron Diaz), who has been locked away in a tower guarded by a dragon. With the help of his new friends, Shrek successfully defeats Farquaad, and the two lovebirds live happily ever after.

From Ang Lee, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams, Randy Quaid
Rated R

Brokeback Mountain is a 2005 American romantic drama film directed by Ang Lee and produced by Diana Ossana and James Schamus. It is an adaptation of the 1997 short story of the same name by Annie Proulx. The film stars Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, and Michelle Williams. The story focuses on the complex emotional and sexual relationship between two men, Ennis Del Mar (Ledger) and Jack Twist (Gyllenhaal), who meet while working as sheep herders in Wyoming in the 1960s. Through flashbacks, their relationship is explored, along with the effects it has on their individual lives, as well as their families. The film received numerous awards and nominations, including four Academy Award nominations, three Golden Globe Awards, and two BAFTA awards. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. Brokeback Mountain is widely considered one of the greatest LGBT-themed films of all time.

From Kathryn Bigelow, starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Guy Pearce
Rated R

The Hurt Locker is an intense drama about a US Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team during the Iraq War in 2004. Led by Staff Sergeant William James (Jeremy Renner), the team is tasked with neutralizing the imminent threat from a variety of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Through its harrowing action sequences, the film depicts the psychological toll of war on the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect their comrades. As James and his team struggle to cope with the physical and emotional toll of their jobs, they must also navigate the complicated politics of the occupation and the Iraqi people they are sworn to protect. In the end, The Hurt Locker is an unforgettable portrait of courage, resilience, and the cost of war.

From Bill Morrison, starring Tsuru Aoki, Julia Calhoun, Margaret Cullington, William S. Hart
Rated Not Rated

From Patricia Cardoso, starring America Ferrera, Lupe Ontiveros, Ingrid Oliu, George Lopez
Rated PG-13