Medium Cool 1969

John Cassellis, a television news cameraman, is portrayed with a sense of detachment as he focuses solely on capturing the brutal reality of car accidents. With a drive for ratings that overshadows any sense of human empathy, Cassellis prioritizes sensational stories and high audience engagement over personal connections and moral integrity.

When Cassellis discovers that his news station has been leveraging the footage he and his team captured for the benefit of the FBI, his sense of outrage surges. The station’s flimsy excuse for firing him only deepens his anger and pushes him to seek new opportunities. This leads him to the Democratic National Convention, where a series of challenging events put his worldview to the test.

During his journey through the ruthless landscape of television reporting, Cassellis meets Eileen—a single mother striving to support her family in Chicago—and her son Harold, haunted by the absence of his father. Despite their shared burdens, a bond begins to form between Cassellis and this resilient family, as he comes to understand their hardships.

However, when Harold goes missing, Eileen seeks Cassellis’ help, unwittingly dragging him into the chaos and violence erupting at the convention. The grim reality of police brutality opens Eileen’s eyes, prompting her to reach out to Cassellis again. As they attempt to escape the turmoil in his car, both unaware that Harold has safely returned home, Cassellis’ reckless driving leads to a catastrophic collision, tragically claiming Eileen’s life while leaving him severely injured.

In the chilling aftermath, a bystander stops to film the horrifying scene, only to drive away, abandoning the wreckage and leaving behind a haunting reminder of the devastation and sorrow created by that fateful night.