I agree, it comes across as something done by operations and engineering people, and the voiceover is a lot like something from a training film 35 years ago. All that helped this movie to be authentic, believable, and a spur to action.
35 years ago, Congressional staffers were already cynical about the slick, overproduced propaganda that so many vested interests shoved under their noses. It's even more predominant today, and they are more cynical, I think.
I was one of those Congressional staffers working for a congressman on the House Transportation & Commerce Committee in 1974 and 1975. I remember what it was like to go to Washington at age 21 and learn to sink or swim, to sort out the hype from the facts, and to begin to learn how to anticipate all the hidden agendas in a fast-moving legislative situation. At the risk of misidentifying someone or something by relying on 35-year-old memories, I want to add that Penn Central's lobbyist, Harvey Shipman, was well liked by staffers. I am remembering him as a big shambling bear of a man who came across with humility and willingness to help staffers with their questions--not "corporate arrogance" at all (unlike some of the lobbyists for the big-bank creditors). D&H's Bernie Phillips similarly represented his railroad very well.
Perhaps others on this list knew these gentlemen. I never saw the 1974 movie but heard about it at the time, and can just imagine how effective it would have been with Harvey Shipman providing additional commentary.
WDB