Director Rob Reiner discusses political moviemaking and his new film Shock and Awe

Moderator Annette Insdorf interviewed Director Rob Reiner after a preview of his film Shock and Awe. Their discussion included movies that inspired Reiner's political moviemaking, including All the President's Men, The Best Man and The Candidate.

Rob Reiner is not only a beloved actor (notably as “Meathead” from the classic TV series All in the Family) but the director of such popular movies as This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, A Few Good Men and The American President.

Reiner also co-stars in Shock and Awe as editor John Walcott. This drama is based on the true story of the Knight-Ridder journalists who were skeptical about the reports of Iraq’s “weapons of mass destruction” that led to war. Woody Harrelson and James Marsden star as the intrepid reporters who questioned George Bush’s planned invasion of Iraq in 2003. Co-starring Tommy Lee Jones, Shock and Awe is a timely reminder of journalistic accountability.

Recorded June 28, 2018 at 92nd Street Y.

[KemptonLam]

52:48 Rob talks about his and his wife Michele's involvement in the court case that lead to the marriage equality ruling at the Supreme Court of the United States.

[DorriOlds]

So sorry I couldn't make it. I am such a big fan of both Reiner and Insdorf!

[Tupelo]

Rob Reiner is a national treasure. I'm ashamed to admit I had no idea he & his wife filed that early lawsuit about marriage equality! He puts his OWN money, plus his career & reputation on the line for what he believes in & that is sorely missing in our society.

It seems to me that Rob & his fellow activists are the minority amongst their baby boomer counterparts & that boggles my mind to no end. EVERY boomer I know personally is a hardcore Republican AND remains an avid Trump supporter! What the hell happened to them?

[tonydavenport]

Rob Reiner this guy has got mental health issues

[Tupelo]

FYI- the excellent Henry Fonda film "The Best Man" is currently available on dvd from Amazon for $20. Rob is right, it's a FABULOUS film & definitely worth a watch!

[ocheltree]

Rob Reiner is possibly one of the coolest guys in Hollywood. He is the highest of the high. A true mouth of reason with the absolute credentials to back it up. He played Meat Head in a hit TV show "All in The Family". But that was just the first of many worthwhile and entertaining things. And I must say he was wrongly named..."meathead". Yeah...you go Rob, glad you're not retired and living a happily ever after life in an old folks home. You have so much to offer the viewing audience. SO MUCH! Jack Mehan needs to crawl back under his alt right, Russian rock.