During his stay, his encounters with United States government officials change his view towards his own country.
It stars Jack Lemmon, Sissy Spacek, Melanie Mayron, John Shea and Charles Cioffi.
It was adapted by Costa-Gavras, John Nichols (uncredited) and Donald Stewart from the book by Thomas Hauser. It was directed by Costa-Gavras.
It won the Academy Award for Writing Original Screenplay, and was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Jack Lemmon), Best Actress in a Leading Role (Sissy Spacek) and Best Picture.
The film won the 1982 Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the Cannes Film Festival.