Because we have just lived through eight years of the George W. Bush presidency, you have to wonder why make a film about him now. “W” does not really add to our understanding or knowledge about the man or the events that have transpired other than to repeatedly demonstrate that W is motivated by his desire to earn his father’s love and respect. The non-linear structure allows Stone to visit Bush at various times during his life. The time frame for the movie is 2002-2004, but there are flashbacks to his freshman year at Yale, his first encounter with his future wife, Laura (Elizabeth Banks), his love of baseball, his working for his father’s election campaign, his decision to run for governor of Texas, and his revelation that God has called him to be President.
Josh Brolin deserves high marks for his portrayal of Bush. He has his mannerisms, speech patterns, and cadence down pat. If you close your eyes, you’d think you were listening to W himself. Some of the other key White House personages, especially Thandie Newton as Condoleezza Rice, Scott Glenn as Donald Rumsfeld, and Toby Jones as Karl Rove are portrayed as people in a SNL skit. However, Jeffrey Wright's Colin Powell is presented as the one sane voice amidst chaos. And there’s nothing in Richard Dreyfuss' performance as Dick Cheney that hints at parody. If you expect compelling drama from “W,” you’ll be disappointed. 10/18/08
1 comment:
"W" was a "W"aste of time
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