Medium Cool (1969) Watch Online Free

John Cassellis is the toughest TV news reporter around. After extensively reporting about violence and racial tensions in poor communities, he discovers that his network is helping the FBI by granting them access to his footage to find suspects.

Medium Cool (1969), directed by Haskell Wexler, is a political drama that mixes documentary-style filmmaking with fictional narrative. Set during the chaotic period of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the film follows John Cassellis (Robert Forster), a cameraman for a local TV news station. John is a detached observer of the turbulent social unrest that defines the era, capturing protests, violence, and the growing dissatisfaction with the government. He is essentially a man “in the middle” of a world undergoing radical transformation.

John’s life becomes more entangled in the events of the time when he meets Eileen (Verna Bloom), a woman with whom he has a personal and emotional connection. As John continues to film the escalating protests and political unrest, he is faced with moral dilemmas and a growing awareness of the deep societal divisions. Through the lens of John’s story, the film explores the intersection of personal responsibility, media influence, and the power of political movements.

The movie is notable for its blending of documentary realism with fiction. Wexler, known for his work as a cinematographer on Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and In the Heat of the Night, uses the 1968 Chicago riots as a backdrop for exploring the role of the media in shaping public perception. Medium Cool is a critique of the growing commercialization of the news industry and how it sensationalizes and distorts the truth for profit.

Analysis

Medium Cool stands out for its bold approach to storytelling, employing a mix of staged scenes and real footage. Wexler’s directorial choices blur the lines between reality and fiction, making the viewer question how the media shapes their perception of truth. The movie is a reflection of the cultural and political upheaval of the 1960s, particularly the growing distrust of authority figures and the media.

The character of John, a cameraman detached from the political conflict he films, embodies the ethical challenges faced by journalists in a time of crisis. His neutrality, at first, reflects the media’s position as passive observers, but as the situation intensifies, he is forced to confront the role of the media in perpetuating or challenging the status quo. The film critiques the idea that the media, by focusing on sensationalized violence and protests, becomes complicit in the events it covers.

Wexler’s use of real footage from the Democratic National Convention riots adds an unsettling layer of authenticity, showing the chaos, violence, and raw emotions of the time. This stark realism serves to highlight the disconnect between the individual’s personal experience and the larger political forces at play. In doing so, the film becomes a commentary on the limitations of mass media, urging viewers to consider the impact of media representation on political movements.

Themes

1. The Role of the Media: One of the most prominent themes in Medium Cool is the role of the media in shaping public perception. John, as a cameraman, symbolizes the media’s ability to both inform and distort reality. The film critiques the way in which the media commodifies social unrest for entertainment value, neglecting the deeper political causes of the conflicts.
2. Political Unrest and Social Change: The film is set against the backdrop of the 1968 Democratic National Convention riots, which were a flashpoint for the political and social turbulence of the time. The film explores the ways in which political protest, media coverage, and public response can collide to create chaos. The disillusionment with the government and the rise of counterculture movements are central to the narrative.
3. Ethics in Journalism: Through John’s character, the film raises important questions about the ethical responsibilities of journalists. His detachment from the events he covers is contrasted with the emotional involvement of other characters, forcing viewers to reflect on the moral obligations of those who report on social and political upheaval.
4. Personal vs. Political: The tension between personal relationships and political engagement is explored in John’s interactions with Eileen. While John is largely removed from the political conflict around him, his growing connection with Eileen forces him to reconsider his detachment and the role he plays in shaping the narrative.
5. Violence and the Media’s Sensationalism: The film critiques how media outlets sensationalize violence, using it as a tool for drawing in viewers rather than providing meaningful commentary on the underlying causes of conflict. The portrayal of the riots, both fictional and real, is designed to show how media shapes the way the public consumes information about political unrest.
6. Alienation and Disconnection: John’s initial detachment from the political environment reflects the sense of alienation many people felt during the 1960s. As the film progresses, his increasing involvement in the chaos highlights the difficulty of remaining neutral in times of political upheaval.
7. The Power of Images: Medium Cool emphasizes the power of images in shaping public opinion. The film suggests that the images we consume through the media, particularly in moments of crisis, have a profound effect on how we understand and respond to the world around us.
8. The Ethics of Filmmaking: The blending of documentary footage and staged scenes in Medium Cool raises questions about the ethics of filmmaking itself. By incorporating real-life events, Wexler forces the viewer to confront the relationship between reality and representation, particularly when it comes to sensitive political issues.
9. Social Responsibility: The characters in the film, especially John, grapple with questions of responsibility—both to their personal relationships and to the political movements they document. The film ultimately asks whether it is possible to remain neutral in times of social and political upheaval.
10. Crisis and Transformation: Medium Cool portrays a society in crisis, where individuals are forced to confront their roles within larger political and social movements. John’s transformation from a passive observer to a participant in the events of the film symbolizes the broader societal shift toward active engagement in political change.

10 Reasons to Watch Medium Cool (1969)

1. Unique Cinematic Style: The film is known for its innovative blending of documentary and fictional filmmaking. The mix of real footage from the 1968 Democratic National Convention riots with staged scenes creates an immersive experience for the viewer.
2. Timely and Relevant Themes: Medium Cool explores themes of political unrest, media manipulation, and social change that remain incredibly relevant today, making it a thought-provoking film for contemporary audiences.
3. Historical Context: The film provides a snapshot of the political and social climate of the late 1960s, particularly during the Democratic National Convention riots. It offers insight into the cultural shifts that defined the era.
4. Ethical Dilemmas in Journalism: The film raises important questions about the role of journalists in shaping public perception, making it essential viewing for those interested in media studies or the ethics of journalism.
5. Powerful Performances: Robert Forster’s portrayal of John, a detached cameraman, is both compelling and nuanced. The performances throughout the film contribute to the film’s emotional depth.
6. Political Critique: Medium Cool offers a powerful critique of the media’s role in sensationalizing social unrest and political protests, making it a valuable commentary on the commercialization of news.
7. Social Commentary: The film encourages viewers to think critically about the events it portrays and to reflect on how media representation can distort our understanding of the world.
8. Cinematic Innovation: Haskell Wexler’s direction and cinematography are groundbreaking, using unconventional methods to create an authentic, documentary-style narrative that immerses the viewer in the political environment.
9. Impactful Soundtrack: The film’s soundtrack enhances its immersive qualities and underscores the emotional and political intensity of the story.
10. Cultural Significance: Medium Cool captures a pivotal moment in American history and serves as a time capsule of the social, political, and media landscape of the 1960s.

What You Will Feel After Watching Medium Cool (1969)

After watching Medium Cool, you may feel both disturbed and enlightened. The film’s raw portrayal of political unrest, combined with its critique of media manipulation, may leave you reflecting on the power of images and the media’s influence on our perception of truth. The film’s documentary-style approach makes it feel immediate and real, creating a visceral reaction to the societal issues it addresses. Overall, you will likely come away with a deeper understanding of the complexities of media, politics, and personal responsibility during times of social crisis.