Deep Dive: An Unreasonable Man (2007)
Film Lens
An Unreasonable Man is a documentary that traces the life and career of Ralph Nader, a prominent political activist and founder of modern consumer protection in America. The film begins by examining Nader's advocacy for auto safety, including federally mandated seat belts and air bags, and shows his rise to national prominence following a privacy lawsuit against General Motors. It also discusses the formation of Nader's Raiders, independent advocacy groups that conducted research on federal agencies in the 1970s, showcasing Nader's significant legislative achievements over three decades.
The latter half of the film shifts focus to Nader's grassroots organizing efforts and his disillusionment with the two-party system, particularly after the rise of Reaganism. It addresses Nader's role as a third-party candidate in the controversial 2000 presidential election and the impact he had on the election's outcome. The film aims to restore Nader's reputation amidst the controversies surrounding his political actions.
Why Watch
- •Meet Ralph Nader, a key figure in consumer protection.
- •See interviews with Joan Claybrook and Phil Donahue.
- •Find out about Nader's impact on the 2000 presidential election.
Did You Know
•The film has an aggregate score of 92% based on 63 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
•Nader's Raiders conducted independent research on federal agencies in the 1970s.
•The film's title is derived from a quote by George Bernard Shaw.
Perfect For
Consumer advocacyPolitical activismU.S. presidential elections