Movies to See Before You Vote for President
by Jaden
Before you vote for President, three movies to enlighten you to the types of things that go on behind the closed doors of politics are W. (2008), The Manchurian Candidate (1962), and Revenge of the Nerds (1984).
In theaters now, written by Stanley Weiser, W. is about current USA President, George W. Bush. Josh Brolin has made an incredible transformation into Bush.
Richard Condon wrote the earth-shaking novel The Manchurian Candidate on which the film of same title is based. George Axelrod adapted the novel to screen. Exceptional John Frankenheimer directed. The explosive cast stars Frank Sinatra, Angela Lansbury, Janet Leigh, Leslie Parrish, and Laurence Harvey.
Slow and methodical, psychologically complex, Manchurian is full of surprises as it takes its viewer through the war hero machine and politics.
Revenge of the Nerds is a funny comedy: two nerds (intelligent and awkward) go to college and have to deal with the constant unfairness and belittling by the jocks (football players) who control campus politics. [Back in the 80s and 90s, the whole nerd thing was not considered cool like it is now.] Lamda Lamda Lamda, an all Black fraternity, are the only ones who give the nerds a chance.
Some other great political films based on true stories are Spinning Boris (2003) about American consultants who are hired to help get Russian President Boris Yeltsin re-elected, which is a funny and informative flick; Milk (out Nov. 2008) about a murdered gay politician; and The Reagans (2003) in which Josh Brolin’s father James Brolin also plays a President.
What are your favorite movies with a political slant?
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12 Responses to “Movies to See Before You Vote for President”
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W. is pretty good, although it mostly resembles a Saturday Night Live skit, with most of the actors not looking like their real-life counterparts. Oliver Stone puts a good effort in the research department. The only real downside of W. is the acting by Thandie Newton as Condaleezza Rice. Newton gives an unacceptable performance. W. Review
This past August, Kevin Costner played in Disney’s SWING VOTE, where the U.S. presidential elections hinge on one last vote, Bud Johnson’s (Costner). The movie is fairly good as it makes you think of all the choices you must take into consideration when voting and how you can be swayed by political promises, but I find that it wasn’t the right time for the film. I think Disney should have waiting until September or October, closer to the elections.
SizzlyP — Thanks for the reviews. I will go read more about them at your site. Yes, I forgot about Swing Vote. As for W. being like a SNL skit, I am not sure how I feel about that; I was hoping for something realistic and insightful. But I guess I will settle for some laughs instead.
Jaden, I have not seen many of these so it will be interesting to squeeze in a few before the election. I am also looking forward to your post election list. :-) This has been such a passionate election season combined with the economic climate, I think we are all due for a few laughs. :-)
Head of State, starring, written and directed by Chris Rock. Probably not the best, but it’s one of my favorites and funniest. It also has the late Bernie Mac in one of my favorite roles. Finally, it seems kinda relevant to today’s election with an African American candidate fighting for the middle class.
I’d just like to thro Duck Soup out there for the sake of a favorite classic. The Marx Bros are awesome!
I saw The Manchurian Candidate remake. I’ll get around to watching the original at some point. I know I’ve seen more political movies, but I can’t remember. Does Man of the Year get an honorable mention?
Karen — Spinning Boris would be a good one to see pre-election because it explains and goes through exactly the process of what a candidate does to alter his image and presentation in hopes of getting elected. It can help lift some of the smoke so a person can look deeper into a candidates true agenda.
t.sterling — Some more good additions, thanks. Been ages since I have seen those. I’ve been watching the Bernie Mac TV show lately — it is really funny and honest.
I actually heard of another political film (documentary), CRAWFORD, through the doc’s Associate Producer. The film is the first feature-length to premiere on Hulu.com. It’s a documentary about what happens to the tiny town of Crawford, Texas when George W. Bush makes it the “Western White House.”
You can watch the whole documentary here: http://www.hulu.com/watch/37906/crawford
*The film only streams in the U.S.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, 1939, Frank Capra directed it.
My favorite.
SizzlyP — Thanks. Crawford sounds good. Will check that out.
Muzz — Yes, great one! Very famous. I have seen it.
What about Primary Colors?
“American President” with Michael Douglas and “Dave” with Kevin Kline are both good’uns.
Jaden,
Nothing to add except that stupid Reagan started this whole mess. What an ass. And a B rate actor everyone said! I beg to differ. He conned everyone.
I’m not an expert film buff by any means but anything to do with the McCarthy Era would be good. Always. Anything to do with trying to pull the wool over our eyes. But isn’t this how it always is?
Friar — Haven’t seen Primary Colors; will add to the list. Thanks.
RJ Keller — Yeah, those are good ones.
Ellen Wilson — Yep, same old same old. Wool is the favorite fabric of politicians.