A powerful and inspiring documentary, Citizen Clark ... A Life of Principle tells the story of Ramsey Clark, an attorney and activist who dedicated his life to fighting for human rights and social justice. Directed by Joseph C. Stillman and featuring interviews with Clark himself as well as his friends, colleagues, and family members, the film offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of one of America's most controversial and charismatic figures.
Born in Dallas, Texas in 1927, Ramsey Clark grew up in a family of lawyers and politicians. His father, Tom Clark, served as Attorney General under President Harry S. Truman and later as a Supreme Court Justice, and his mother, Mary Jane, was a prominent suffragist and civic leader. From an early age, Ramsey was steeped in the traditions of public service and social responsibility. As a young man, he attended the University of Texas and Harvard Law School, where he was deeply influenced by the civil rights movement and the emerging anti-war protests of the 1960s.
After graduating from law school, Clark began his career as a prosecutor in the Justice Department under President Kennedy. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Assistant Attorney General and then Deputy Attorney General under President Johnson. During these years, Clark worked tirelessly to promote civil rights and to enforce the Voting Rights Act, the Civil Rights Act, and other landmark pieces of legislation.
In 1967, Clark resigned his post and turned his attention to private practice and political activism. He became a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War, and represented many of the era's leading anti-war and civil rights activists, including the Black Panthers, the Chicago Seven, and the American Indian Movement. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Clark continued his work as a human rights advocate, traveling extensively to countries like Iran, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Iraq to investigate human rights abuses and to promote peace and democracy.
Citizen Clark ... A Life of Principle traces Clark's remarkable trajectory from idealistic young attorney to elder statesman and icon of the American left. Through interviews with Clark's family and friends, as well as clips from his many media appearances and speeches, the film captures the wit, charm, and fierce intelligence that made him such a beloved figure among his fellow activists.
The documentary also explores some of the controversies that surrounded Clark throughout his career. Despite his deep commitment to civil rights, he was criticized by some for his defense of accused criminals and his association with radical groups like the Weather Underground. Similarly, his advocacy for Saddam Hussein during the first Gulf War drew condemnation from many quarters.
Ultimately, though, what emerges from Citizen Clark ... A Life of Principle is a portrait of a man whose unflagging commitment to justice and human rights never wavered, even in the face of widespread opposition and controversy. Through his tireless advocacy, Ramsey Clark left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of activists and reminding us all that the fight for justice is never over.
Citizen Clark ... A Life of Principle is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes.
