description The Second Civil War Overview
The Second Civil War is a 1997 American political satire directed by Joe Dante and produced for HBO. Set during a confrontation over refugees, it follows Idaho's governor as he closes the state's border and triggers a constitutional crisis between state and federal authorities. The film uses an ensemble cast and mock news coverage to examine immigration politics, opportunistic public officials, television journalism, and the transformation of policy disputes into spectacle.
help The Second Civil War FAQ
What is the plot of The Second Civil War?
In Joe Dante's 1997 HBO film, Idaho governor Jim Farley closes the state border when Pakistani refugee orphans are sent toward Idaho. The standoff pits him against the U.S. president and turns immigration politics into a media spectacle. [Barry Levinson official site](https://www.levinson.com/the-second-civil-war)
Who directed and wrote The Second Civil War?
Joe Dante directed the film and Martyn Burke wrote it for HBO, with Barry Levinson among the executive producers. It was produced by Baltimore Pictures and HBO Pictures and first aired in 1997. [Barry Levinson official site](https://www.levinson.com/the-second-civil-war)
Is it a real documentary or a scripted mockumentary?
It is a scripted dark political satire, not a documentary. The fictional NewsNet broadcasts imitate 24-hour cable news, while the plot follows actors playing Governor Jim Farley, the president, and reporters. [Barry Levinson official site](https://www.levinson.com/the-second-civil-war)
Which actors appear in The Second Civil War?
Beau Bridges plays Governor Jim Farley, Phil Hartman plays the president, and James Earl Jones, Elizabeth Peña, and Denis Leary are also in the cast. Bridges won the 1997 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Special for this role. [Television Academy](https://www.televisionacademy.com/shows/second-civil-war)
explore Explore More
Similar to The Second Civil War
compare_arrows Compare: The Canadian Conspiracy See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
