The movie that gave birth to the TV show The West Wing because Aaron Sorkin's research for this movie led him to admire the people who work in the White House so much that he decided to dramatize what they saw. That piece of trivia aside, this movie is a real stand out all by itself. If you know The West Wing or A Few Good Men or anything else that Aaron Sorkin has written you know that he is probably the most talented writer working in Hollywood today. Add to that some brilliant performances and a great and unusual love story and you have a really wonderful movie to watch.
Synopsis:
The movie opens with President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) is being briefed about his itinerary for the day - we begin to get a behind the scenes look at his life while also learning key information about the current state of his democratic presidency. We also learn that the President is a widower and that he has a teenaged daughter. He is joined gradually by more and more members of his staff. Meanwhile across town at an environmental lobbying group a new political strategist is being hired, Sidney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening). As the President is ushered from one meeting to another, Ms. Wade and a co worker arrive at the White House to meet with the Chief of Staff (Martin Sheen). While they are in the meeting with the Chief of Staff, Ms. Wade gets particularly tough on the administration just as the President pokes his head in. He then asks her to step into the oval office and discusses the issue with her further. There is an immediate spark between the two although she is as much in awe of the office as she is attracted to the man.
Soon the President decides to ask her out - or rather over to the White House - for a date. The occasion of the date is an upcoming state dinner so the publicity is immediate. Soon after that they are dating in earnest and soon the press, the opposing party, her boss and his staff are following the romance and all of its fallout. The rest of the movie deals with the issues that arrive when a modern day president is dating as well as the issues that arrive between the two of them.
Review:
This is a wonderful and unusual romantic comedy. Unusual because the situation is unique. Beautiful because it is well written, well acted and well directed. Aaron Sorkin has a turn of phrase that is memorable and lyrical. His characters talk like we all wish we could, sounding both down to earth and erudite at the same time. These actors are all tops in their field and give fantastic performances. Martin Sheen does such a great job as Chief of Staff in this movie that he got promoted to President for The West Wing. Annette Bening is so much more than beautiful, she has an obvious intelligence that can sometimes be lacking in the lead of a romantic comedy. Michael Douglas is at his liberal best with a presence that is unmatched on screen. The director of all of this is Rob Reiner who not only is a great director, he knows his politics having been an activist for years. If you like any of these people you owe it to yourself to see this movie.
No comments:
Post a Comment