Évocateur: The Morton Downey Jr. Movie

Before entire networks were built on populist personalities; before reality morphed into a TV genre; the masses fixated on a single, sociopathic star: controversial talk-show host Morton Downey, Jr. In the late '80s, Downey tore apart the traditional talk format by turning debate of current issues into a gladiator pit. His blow-smoke-in-your-face style drew a rabid cult following, but also the title "Father of Trash Television." Was his show a platform for the working man or an incubator for Snooki and The Situation? Ironbound Films' Evocateur: The Morton Downey Jr. Movie dissects the mind and motivation of television's most notorious agitator. Lower the safety bar for a rollercoaster ride through Downey's euphoric ascent to fame and nauseating plummet to infamy. (Magnolia Pictures)