Confounding Father: A Contrarian View of the U.S. Constitution

A series of shorts so poorly made that one might think it a satire if such prominent figures didn't appear on-screen with earnestness. The Anti-Federalists certainly deserve greater attention, and projects that spotlight them and their ideas would be welcome, if produced by competent hands. Luther Martin, the titular subject, as he was described by a contemporary, "never speaks without tiring the patience of all who hear him." Much the same can be said of this director. However, if one were to find an editor and reserve the insightful reflections of august historians such as the late Pauline Maier, jettisoning everything else, then there might be some value in this vanity project.

Confounding Father tells the story of Luther Martin who opposed the constitution. It's a story I was completely unfamiliar with prior to watching this, and it was a fascinating journey into history of which I knew so little. It's told in easily digestible bites for anyone who wants a look into the other side of the constitutional debate.

This series is essential viewing for anyone remotely interested in how our country was formed, and why it operates the way it does today. With its easily digestible, often humorous, and objective presentation of historical events before, during, and after the Constitutional Convention, the series shines a light on the rose-colored glasses the Founding Fathers are often get filtered through in history class. It would be the perfect compliment to course work at the high school and college level aimed at educating students about the lesser known Constitutional delegates such as Luther Martin, and how many of their concerns about the U.S. Constitution and the formation of our federal government have come to fruition today.