Cast
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Henry Fonda
as Robert Leffingwell
Charles Laughton
as Senator Seabright Cooley
Don Murray
as Senator Brigham Anderson
Walter Pidgeon
as Senate Majority Leader
Peter Lawford
as Senator Lafe Smith
Gene Tierney
as Dolly Harrison
Franchot Tone
as The President
Lew Ayres
as The Vice President
Burgess Meredith
as Herbert Gelman
Eddie Hodges
as Johnny Leffingwell
Paul Ford
as Senator Stanley Danta
George Grizzard
as Senator Fred van Ackerman
Inga Swenson
as Ellen Anderson
Frank Sinatra
as Self (voice)
Edward Andrews
as Senator Orrin Knox
Crew
Director
- Otto Preminger
Producer
- Otto Preminger
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Advise & Consent examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Otto Preminger brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1962, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Advise & Consent took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 139 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 167 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 50 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1962, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Advise & Consent shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Metropolis, which focuses more on action than character development, Advise & Consent offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Apocalypse Now and Absolute Power explore similar territory, Advise & Consent stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 6, 1962
- Runtime: 2h 19m
- Revenue: $2,000,000
