State Legislature

In its portrait of the Idaho State Legislature, this documentary provides a fascinating look into the current state of affairs in American politics and society. Over the course of an entire legislative session, director Frederick Wiseman filmed the operations of the administrative machinery that makes and amends state laws. The members of this legislative body are a representative cross-section of the state of Idaho, and their decisions represent the values and interests of their constituents. The film shows the vast array of complex and mundane subjects that a legislator should know about. At a time when there is so much debate about the meaning and implementation of democracy, the film shows the democratic process in action and displays both its strengths and limitations. In addition to debates and committee hearings, Wiseman also captures the informal gatherings in the corridors in which the behind-the-scenes negotiations occur. Given the flaws in the democratic process, the film raises the question as to whether the system of representative government is the best way to govern the people. As usual, Wiseman does not judge but rather records things without commentary - his keen eye to detail comprises the essence of the film.