Sept. 23 City Hall

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Sept. 23 City Hall

• The movie focuses on three competing narratives
  to investigate, explain publically, and hold
  accountable those responsible for the shootings
  with which it begins Calhouns, the Zapatti
  familys, and the union representing detective
  Santos. Outline each narrative and explain what
  the relevant party is doing to promulgate it.

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City Hall

• 2. Discuss Mayor John Pappass strengths and
  weaknesses as a political leader. Also, evaluate
  the effectiveness of Al Pacinos portrayal of
  that role.
• 3. What does Pappas mean by menschkeit?
  Considering the nature of decisions a mayor must
  make and the groups he/she must deal with, is
  menschkeit an effective model for making public
  decisions?

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Sept. 23 City Hall

• 4. Discuss the mentor/protégé relationship
  between Pappas and Calhoun including its complete
  evolution and the reciprocal relationship between
  the two people.
• 5. What challenges, both professional and
  personal, does Calhoun face in terms of
  establishing himself in the world. Evaluate his
  performance in coping with those challenges.

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Sept. 23 City Hall

• 6. While a work of fiction, City Hall is clearly
  based in lived experience. For example, Ken
  Lipper, one of the writers, was a deputy mayor of
  New York in the 1980s. Given what you know about
  politics, organizations, and cities, how
  realistic do you find the entire story? Explain
  the reasons for your assessment.

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Management Lessons

• Skills Pappas and Calhoun
• Organizational culture (menschkeit gt corruption)
• Personal/professional relationship (KC)
• Ethical dilemma for Pappas
• Mentor/protégé relationship

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Dominant or Counter Fable?

• Negative on politicians (Yes Minister (80s), The
  Candidate (1971), All the Presidents Men (1976),
  Wag the Dog (1997)
• Idealistic view of politicians (The West Wing,
  1999-2006)
• Tragic view of politicians City Hall (1996),
  Oliver Stones Nixon (1995)

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Eriksons model

• intimacy versus isolation Calhoun
• Generativity versus stagnation Calhoun, Stern
• Integrity versus despair Stern, Pappas, Anselmo
  (?)

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City Hall as product

• Critics liked various scenes and performances,
  but overall reactions less favourable
• Cost approximately 40 million, grossed
  approximately 33 million