Medium Cool

Medium Cool

Year: 1969

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Haskell Wexler

Drama

A veteran news cameraman, John Cassellis, documents the tumultuous 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, attempting to remain objective amidst the escalating unrest. However, his professional distance begins to dissolve when he discovers a disturbing connection between his news network and the FBI. This revelation triggers a personal journey of rebellion as he seeks to expose the truth and confront a powerful, controlling force.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Medium Cool yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Medium Cool (1969) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Medium Cool (1969), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

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.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 21:09

Unlock the Full Story of Medium Cool

Don't stop at just watching — explore Medium Cool in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Medium Cool is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Medium Cool Timeline

Track the full timeline of Medium Cool with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Medium Cool Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Medium Cool

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Medium Cool. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Medium Cool

More About Medium Cool

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Medium Cool: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Medium Cool

Similar Movies to Medium Cool

Discover movies like Medium Cool that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.