Films that Argue: the Great Debaters, Rocket Science, and Thumbsucker

Author:

• Nicole Richter (University of Miami)

Abstract:

This article analyzes three Hollywood films that center around the policy debate activity: Rocket Science, The Great Debaters, and Thumbsucker. Combining a practical knowledge of debate with critical film theory this article will address the authenticity of the representations of the activity in the three films, what the films teach an audience unaffiliated with the activity, and what the films' outside perspectives have to offer the debate community.