Shouting Fire: Stories From the Edge of Free Speech

About Shouting Fire: Stories From the Edge of Free Speech

"Shouting Fire: Stories From the Edge of Free Speech" is a 2009 documentary film directed by Liz Garbus. It explores the history and current state of free speech in America. The documentary traces the right of free speech from the country's inception to the present day, focusing on key historical events that have shaped its interpretation and enforcement. Through interviews and personal stories, the film examines how and why freedom of speech has been challenged and upheld in various contexts, drawing attention to the evolving complexities and controversies of this fundamental right.

Making / Production

The documentary was produced and directed by Liz Garbus, a renowned American documentarian whose other works include "The Farm: Angola, USA" and "Bobby Fischer Against the World". Using a combination of interviews and archival footage, she provides vivid illustrations of free speech challenges throughout American history and in modern days.

Actors

• Liz Garbus - As the director, Garbus plays a pivotal role in crafting and presenting the stories, rather than appearing on-screen.
• Various interviewees - The film features interviews with several key figures in First Amendment cases. Although they are not "actors" in the traditional sense, their stories form the bones of the film.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film's title, "Shouting Fire", is derived from Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.'s famous opinion in Schenck v. United States (1919), where he wrote that the First Amendment doesn't protect someone "falsely shouting fire in a theatre and causing a panic."
• Liz Garbus is the daughter of First Amendment attorney Martin Garbus, who is also interviewed in this film.

Awards

"Shouting Fire: Stories From the Edge of Free Speech" has not won any awards, but it has been recognized for its thought-provoking exploration of free speech.

Quotes

• "The First Amendment says nothing about your getting feelings hurt. It doesn't say anything about you feeling offended." - Nat Hentoff
• "Free speech carries with it some freedom to listen." - Warren E Burger

Music, Soundtrack

The musical scope of "Shouting Fire: Stories From the Edge of Free Speech" is limited given its documentary nature. It uses subtle musical scores to underscore the serious themes and narrative arcs it presents. The soundtrack isn't available as a separate listing.