Deciding Vote

Last updated
Deciding Vote
Directed by
Produced by
Cinematography
  • Gabriella Garcia-Pardo
  • Karen Rodriguez
  • Lynn Weissman
  • Michael Lisnet
Edited byKristin Bye
Music byOlivier and Clare Manchon
Production
company
  • Wheelhouse Creative
Distributed by The New Yorker
Release date
  • November 29, 2023 (2023-11-29)
Running time
20 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Deciding Vote is a 2023 American short documentary film about Assemblyman George M. Michaels and his tie-breaking vote on the 1970 New York abortion bill. It was directed by Jeremy Workman and Robert J. Lyons. [1]

Contents

First presented at numerous film festivals, Deciding Vote was released by The New Yorker on November 29, 2023. [2] It was Oscar Shortlisted for Best Short Documentary and then subsequently nominated for Most Outstanding Short Documentary at the 45th News and Documentary Emmy Awards. [3] [4] [5]

Synopsis

50 years ago, Assemblyman George M. Michaels cast a single vote on New York's abortion bill that changed the course of American history but destroyed his political career in the process. [1]

Reception

The film won several film festival awards and received positive reviews. [6] [7] [8]

Film critic Christopher Reed of Film Festival Today stated "In their powerful 20-minute documentary, directors Robert J. Lyons and Jeremy Workman offer an inspiring profile of a man unafraid to confront blowback." [9] . Critic Jennie Kermode of Eye For Film called it "a vital piece of filmmaking." [10]

Film critic Richard Propes of The Independent Critic stated that "the film rather magnificently captures the relatively unsung story of George Michaels, a former New York Assemblyman who in 1970 represented a conservative Catholic district during a time when the pro-choice/abortion rights movement was growing. Recognizing that his vote would likely cost him his political career, Michaels cast the deciding vote by switching his vote at the last minute and ensuring the passage of abortion rights in the state of New York. It was a groundbreaking decision that would eventually lead to other decisions nationwide and eventually the now recently overturned Roe vs. Wade decision from the U.S. Supreme Court." [11]

References

  1. 1 2 Lyons, Robert J.; Workman, Jeremy (2023-11-29), Deciding Vote (Short), George M. Michaels, Wheelhouse Creative, retrieved 2025-02-10
  2. ↑ Yorker, The New (2023-11-29). "Revisiting New York's Historic Abortion Law in "Deciding Vote"". The New Yorker. ISSN   0028-792X . Retrieved 2025-02-10.
  3. ↑ Montgomery, Daniel (2024-07-27). "2024 News and Documentary Emmy nominations: 45th annual contenders in all categories". GoldDerby. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
  4. ↑ Davis, Clayton (2023-12-21). "Oscar Shortlists Announced for 10 Categories: 'Barbie' Leads the Way". Variety. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
  5. ↑ "96th Oscars Shortlists in 10 Award Categories Announced". press.oscars.org. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
  6. ↑ "Indy Shorts International Film Festival Concludes with a Record-Breaking Year and Announces Academy Award®-Qualifying Winners". heartlandfilm.prowly.com. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
  7. ↑ "Award Winners from the 24th Annual Woodstock Film Festival". Woodstock Film Festival. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
  8. ↑ Lyons, Robert J.; Workman, Jeremy (2023-11-29), Deciding Vote (Short), George M. Michaels, Wheelhouse Creative, retrieved 2025-02-10
  9. ↑ Reed, Christopher Llewellyn (2023-06-21). "That's a Wrap at DC/DOX 2023 | Film Festival Today" . Retrieved 2025-02-10.
  10. ↑ "Deciding Vote - Film Review". Eye For Film. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
  11. ↑ Richard, Propes (May 15, 2003). "Movie Review: Deciding Date". The Independent Critic. Retrieved February 10, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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