Grassroots is an American film directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal, based on the book Zioncheck for President by Phil Campbell. Shot in Seattle, the film revolves around a grassroots
campaign for Seattle City Council and explores what happens when a
dedicated activist tries to realize a vision by seeking political
office.
Director: Stephen Gyllenhaal
Writers: Stephen Gyllenhaal (screenplay), Justin Rhodes (screenplay)
Stars: Jason Biggs, Joel David Moore and Lauren Ambrose
The film tells the story of Phil Campbell (Jason Biggs), a journalist who has just lost his job and gets roped into leading Grant Cogswell's political campaign. Grant, played by Joel David Moore, is Phil's enthusiastic friend whose passion for the monorail inspires him to run for Seattle City Council.Grant is running against Richard McIver, played by Cedric the Entertainer,
and although McIver has more money and more supporters, Grant's blind
passion paired with Phil's strategy makes Grant a contender.
A short-tempered, unemployed music critic who likes to dress as a polar
bear thinks he can harness the power of the people to ride the monorail
to political victory in Seattle. And he's right. Almost. It's before
Twitter, before the flash mob, before Obama. It's 2001, and political
unknown Grant Cogswell decides he must take down Seattle City Councilman
Richard McIver. Grant has only one dream, but it's a big one: an
elegant monorail gliding silently above the city's wet streets.
Grassroots is a
character-driven comedy about the power of the people and the virtues of standing up for what you believe in. Against all odds.
