2008 Woodie Awards
Movie Review - Film gives surprising empathy for 'W'
Oliver Stone's 'W'
Amy Wright
Issue date: 10/20/08 Section: Culture
I never expected to empathize with George W. Bush.
But Oliver Stone's "W" will definitely get you thinking about our overwhelmingly unpopular president. Those expecting a long-winded, liberal bash will be surprised to see a thoughtful biographical picture that manages to humanize today's most questionable man.
The film provides a provocative perspective on Bush's rise to the presidency, drawing scenes as early as his college years. Stone's sharp editing gives an enticingly clear portrait of how the Bush years were really formed many years before. While the film may be argued away politically, the director's conclusions make undeniable sense.
We see Bush's early charm and ease slowly tarnish with ever mounting "daddy issues." This take on the president's career-defining "born again" moment explains virtually the entire presidency. Stone creates no trifle of a tale of a character whom, perhaps despite intentions otherwise, finds himself in America's hot spot.
Stone's Bush is a man who could accomplish anything, but would commit to nothing. Ironically, the president's relentless drive in the War on Terror is painted as his climatic moment, as he proves to himself and his father that he can, in fact, see something through to its end.
Josh Brolin as the title character is simply brilliant. Brolin absolutely nails Bush's mannerisms, from his stunted laugh to his blinking idiocy. A supremely talented Richard Dreyfuss paints a chilling portrait of Dick Cheney, smoldering with a desire for control and shrewdly twisting global events and national policy to fit his own agenda. Expect Oscar nods for these two.
They lead a cast of outstanding performances across the board, from Thandie Newton's perfectly comedic Condoleezza Rice to Toby Jones as a masterfully crafted Karl Rove (who you will undoubtedly despise if you didn't already).
While scenes with the Bush family provide background and amusement, Stone truly shines in his portrayal of sizzling White House conferences.
But Oliver Stone's "W" will definitely get you thinking about our overwhelmingly unpopular president. Those expecting a long-winded, liberal bash will be surprised to see a thoughtful biographical picture that manages to humanize today's most questionable man.
The film provides a provocative perspective on Bush's rise to the presidency, drawing scenes as early as his college years. Stone's sharp editing gives an enticingly clear portrait of how the Bush years were really formed many years before. While the film may be argued away politically, the director's conclusions make undeniable sense.
We see Bush's early charm and ease slowly tarnish with ever mounting "daddy issues." This take on the president's career-defining "born again" moment explains virtually the entire presidency. Stone creates no trifle of a tale of a character whom, perhaps despite intentions otherwise, finds himself in America's hot spot.
Stone's Bush is a man who could accomplish anything, but would commit to nothing. Ironically, the president's relentless drive in the War on Terror is painted as his climatic moment, as he proves to himself and his father that he can, in fact, see something through to its end.
Josh Brolin as the title character is simply brilliant. Brolin absolutely nails Bush's mannerisms, from his stunted laugh to his blinking idiocy. A supremely talented Richard Dreyfuss paints a chilling portrait of Dick Cheney, smoldering with a desire for control and shrewdly twisting global events and national policy to fit his own agenda. Expect Oscar nods for these two.
They lead a cast of outstanding performances across the board, from Thandie Newton's perfectly comedic Condoleezza Rice to Toby Jones as a masterfully crafted Karl Rove (who you will undoubtedly despise if you didn't already).
While scenes with the Bush family provide background and amusement, Stone truly shines in his portrayal of sizzling White House conferences.
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