Andy Bockelman: ‘W.’ a balanced presidential portrait
November 14, 2008
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In times of political strife, America needs a leader who can make the tough calls when necessary — you know, a “decider.” And thus, we scrutinize the title character of “W.”
Forty-third U.S. President George W. Bush (Josh Brolin) has an unusual presidency to say the least. No less noteworthy are his days before reaching the Oval Office.
From his days as a troublemaking Yale student to his restlessness in trying to find a suitable career, Bush causes no small amount of grief for his father (James Cromwell), whose expectations for his namesake provide the basis for an endless amount of rebellion from the prodigal son.
W. begins to find his place in the politics of his adopted Texas homeland and starts to clean up his hard-drinking act when he meets his future wife (Elizabeth Banks). But, his familial ambitions start to catch up with him, moving him to set his sights higher, leading to a political movement that will change the nation forever.
Brolin outdoes the commander in chief’s many imitators, including Will Ferrell and his infamous “Saturday Night Live” buzzword — “strategery” — or Timothy Bottoms’ uncanny resemblance in the short-lived Comedy Central sitcom, “That’s My Bush!”
Brolin’s portrayal of Bush is balanced in its inevitable comedy — his facial expressions alone are priceless — while still coming off as a human being.
Cromwell is unusually threatening as W.’s presidential predecessor and constant critic. Who would have guessed George H.W. “Poppy” Bush could ever seem scary? Banks is admirable as the ever-supportive, stoic Laura Bush, even stacking up to Ellen Burstyn as former first lady Barbara.
The big-name cast features a multitude of skilled acting — Richard Dreyfuss as an eerily accurate Dick Cheney, Thandie Newton as a stodgy Condoleezza Rice, Scott Glenn as a stubborn Donald Rumsfeld, Jeffrey Wright as browbeaten Colin Powell, and more.
Director Oliver Stone’s goals in chronicling the life and times of Dubya — the film’s proper pronunciation — are very unclear. Although he does not seek to indict the questionable policies of the Bush administration, Stone’s intentions certainly are not to flatter the controversial leader with embarrassing recaps such as the pretzel incident.
At times, Stone seems to be going out of his way to avoid commentary, passing up an easy target like the 2000 presidential election. Indeed, most of the current action takes place in 2004, regarding brainstorming sessions and meetings pertaining to the situations in Iraq and Afghanistan while the earlier years of Bush’s life are weaved throughout the storyline.
This leads to a reasonably successful “cause and effect” type narrative as we see Dubya’s side of the issue.
Regardless of your political views, the humanization of this man ultimately helps to understand his position, his prospects and the overwhelming family drama that has been part of his life.
“W.” may lack a real bite, but what can it say that has not already been said?
With the passions of the American public inflamed about the still-relevant topics involved, the only way to get proper perspective on the subject is to examine Bush from a much more level-headed standpoint. For any of its other flaws, “W.” certainly achieves this.
14 November 2008 at 8:05 a.m.
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cantstandtexans (Anonymous) says…
I'm still puzzled however…how a guy with a documented I.Q. of 95….was elevated to the point of running for president? It's apparent has to the outcome. It will be brought out over time just how much of a puppet president Bush became. God…and the U.S. taxpayers will have to support that guy for the rest of his life!!
Maybe the Saudis will bail us out from this liability and pay off “W”'s pension!! NAH!!!
14 November 2008 at 8:31 a.m.
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Rainbow (Anonymous) says…
I can't wait to hear the “hanging chad” story and how his brother threw him the election.
14 November 2008 at 4:57 p.m.
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cantstandtexans (Anonymous) says…
Nope. “JEB” played a dead chicken and rolled over so his hands couldn't be soil. It was Kathleen Harris that did the dirty work for this bloodless coup. If you will recall…she was the Secretary of State in Florida.
From the very get go…the Bush…oh…I mean the Cheney Administration has looked at the law and the elections with contempt. You really need to study out the entire escapades the NeoConNazi's pulled off. I really don't give a damn what anyone thinks of me or my beliefs. I have a few connections within the rank and file of government…the FEDS….I'm telling you….the current administration has committed treason at the highest levels. And those are facts the Right wing insiders have tried for almost eight years now to suspress and cover up. From Bush on down the line…they are ALL guilty and should pay the highest penalties for their crimes.
You can believe what you want. Here's one example of the B.S. from Dufus Bush. Ten weeks “BEFORE” 9/11….Bush strools into a meeting of the National Security Advisor Condi Rice. Bush asks what the discussion was pertaining to. Reply: The Containment of Saddam Hussien.
Bush replies: f- - - hussien….we're taking him out!!! i have more…but that is one that will sink that stupid bastard Bush. And yes……he is stupid. As I've stated….Bush's documented I.Q. is indeed 95. And you feel that isn't right on the edge of stupidity?
For the record…I voted for Obama….I'm hoping after January…the troops in Iraq will start to head out of that mess. If you believe that this country can continue to spend 10 billion dollars per month til….WHEN? One year…5 years…100 years? Oh…til victory!!!! As a friend of mine, who by the way wouldn't vote for a Democrat if his life depended on it, who spend 6 months in the region. Exact words when he got home. we are f- - - - -!!!! You fill in the letters. He also told me that the troops needed to get out of Iraq because it was a compete boondoggle and he learned the truth thru facts about this war.
You can beieve this or not. It's true…but it's won't change the facts in you don't…or if anyone doesn't. Many spoke out who first believe the lies told for reasons to invade Iraq. Believe what you will.
bush is a idiot!!