National Theatre Live: Straight Line Crazy (2022) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language

2022 · 150 mins · English

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Directed by

Nicholas Hytner

Starring

Ralph Fiennes, Danny Webb, Samuel Barnett, Guy Paul, Helen Schlesinger, Alisha Bailey

Ralph Fiennes portrays Robert Moses, a man who wielded immense power and reshaped New York City for four decades. Initially driven by a desire to enhance the lives of workers, Moses oversaw the construction of numerous parks, bridges, and over 627 miles of expressway. His methods, a combination of charm and intimidation, allowed him to manipulate those in positions of authority, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s landscape and infrastructure. The play explores the challenges he faced and the clash between his vision and emerging protest movements.