The American President
Kyle Martinak
Issue date: 5/16/08 Section: Culture
In these election years, I always am reminded of what is wrong with the whole political game in the United States. It seems that most politicians are too busy trying to get new jobs or keep their present ones, and they forget what it means to do their jobs. Such a conundrum happens in "The American President," a political romantic comedy that rings true to different audiences because it transcends so many genres.
In the film, Michael Douglas plays U.S. President Andrew Shepherd, a widower who seldom sleeps but runs the country diligently with the help of his team of neurotic aides. Shepherd's life is turned around in several different ways when a sassy lobbyist, played by Annette Bening, catches his eye and stirs up the political minefields that every president must navigate.
I'm not always a fan of Michael Douglas. He has a habit of playing the same character in every film he is in, and it isn't a likable character. The exception is this film. As Andrew Shepherd, Douglas embodies the type of president that Americans dream about, and he is never short on wisecracks or wisdom. Bening plays the lobbyist of his dreams, Sidney Wade, as an intelligent and developed human being, which is rare for romantic comedies. The standout performances of the film go to Martin Sheen as Shepherd's best friend and Chief of Staff, and Michael J. Fox as his patriotic yet eccentric aide, Lewis. Fox is fired up in this role and he keeps up with the more recognized cast just fine.
Aaron Sorkin wrote a script here that could be used for a number of different occasions. Looking for a good date movie? This film is great. How about a funny party movie? No problem. Even if you teach American government or history, there are scenes worth examining. The jokes are a perfect blend of situational humor and high-brow political farce. No one gets left out, either. Almost all audiences can grasp the film's concepts, and the actors all got their moments in the spotlight.
Rob Reiner always gets iconic performances out of actors, and some of my favorite moments in "The American President" could have been easily botched by other directors. Reiner was a perfect fit for this, because he can make a film funny while still keeping it sincere and poignant.
Maybe all presidential candidates should view this flick. It may open some eyes regarding what is viewed as important in politics versus what is important in everyday life. To deviate from my usual scoring system, I give "The American President" four years of office out of four. And I may just vote for it again in 2012.
In the film, Michael Douglas plays U.S. President Andrew Shepherd, a widower who seldom sleeps but runs the country diligently with the help of his team of neurotic aides. Shepherd's life is turned around in several different ways when a sassy lobbyist, played by Annette Bening, catches his eye and stirs up the political minefields that every president must navigate.
I'm not always a fan of Michael Douglas. He has a habit of playing the same character in every film he is in, and it isn't a likable character. The exception is this film. As Andrew Shepherd, Douglas embodies the type of president that Americans dream about, and he is never short on wisecracks or wisdom. Bening plays the lobbyist of his dreams, Sidney Wade, as an intelligent and developed human being, which is rare for romantic comedies. The standout performances of the film go to Martin Sheen as Shepherd's best friend and Chief of Staff, and Michael J. Fox as his patriotic yet eccentric aide, Lewis. Fox is fired up in this role and he keeps up with the more recognized cast just fine.
Aaron Sorkin wrote a script here that could be used for a number of different occasions. Looking for a good date movie? This film is great. How about a funny party movie? No problem. Even if you teach American government or history, there are scenes worth examining. The jokes are a perfect blend of situational humor and high-brow political farce. No one gets left out, either. Almost all audiences can grasp the film's concepts, and the actors all got their moments in the spotlight.
Rob Reiner always gets iconic performances out of actors, and some of my favorite moments in "The American President" could have been easily botched by other directors. Reiner was a perfect fit for this, because he can make a film funny while still keeping it sincere and poignant.
Maybe all presidential candidates should view this flick. It may open some eyes regarding what is viewed as important in politics versus what is important in everyday life. To deviate from my usual scoring system, I give "The American President" four years of office out of four. And I may just vote for it again in 2012.
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