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The Making of a President

The Making of a President (1978)

Jan 01, 1978 1h Drama

In wartime Sault Ste. Marie, the mayor invites the president of the Jewish congregation to speak at the town’s upcoming ecumenical war bonds rally. However, the president has just quit and nobody wants the thankless job. A funny and endearing drama featuring Melvyn Douglas, Nehemiah Persoff, Paul Soles and a 15-year-old Mike Myers. Based on a semi-autobiographical short story by Order of Canada winner Morley Torgov. Collie-haired Myers, in one of his first TV roles, is more behaved than usual as a skateboard-riding young piano prodigy. Hollywood veteran Douglas does most of the heavy lifting as a Jewish elder trying the impossible — recruiting a new president who can, in Torgov’s words, handle himself “among the goyim” at an upcoming town war bond rally. The town’s new tailor (Soles) — thought of as a bit of a peacock — is seen as the perfect candidate. (CBC TV-Movie 1978)

Directed by Robert Stevens

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Robert Stevens
Producer
  • Robert Sherrin

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Making of a President 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 Robert Stevens 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 1978, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Making of a President took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 60 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 84 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
  • The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1978, when this film was released:
  • The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
  • Disco music dominated popular culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Making of a President shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Snow Cake, which focuses more on action than character development, The Making of a President subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Jazz Singer and The Last Tunnel explore similar territory, The Making of a President stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

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: January 1, 1978
  • Runtime: 1h

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