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Movie Info & Details
Release Year1988
Runtime0h 58m
LanguageEnglish
CertificationNR
GenresDocumentary, Drama, History
Votes—
DirectorMuffie Meyer, Ellen Giffard
WritersRonald Blumer
TypeFeature Film
Rating0.0 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsAn Empire of Reason
About An Empire of Reason
Docudrama about the debate surrounding New York State's ratification of the United States Constitution. Historical figures wear modern dress and use familiar language to help today's audience understand firsthand the forces that shaped this country two hundred years ago. The argument, characters, passions and debating points are historically accurate, but the language and the medium of the debate is modern in form. Present day newscasters and commentators play themselves, reporting on the events of the 1780s as though they were occurring now.
Directed by Muffie Meyer, Ellen Giffard, An Empire of Reason leans on a strong ensemble — Cokie Roberts, William F. Buckley Jr., Walter Cronkite — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1988.
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