Like most readers of this blog, I can't wait for next January 20 but the promotions for Oliver Stone's new film about George W. Bush, "W", teased me into seeing it today instead of waiting for the rental.
Stone describes himself as a "dramatic historian". In "W" he offers his signature repertoire of selecting a complicated story script, a stunning cast, and then walking away while they make the movie.
Josh Brolin is "W" from his college years to the post "Mission Accomplished" events of the Iraq War that foreshadowed the failure of his presidency. Brolin's intense portrayal of George W. Bush is near perfect in speech, mannerism, and personal idiosyncrasies. His portrayal could become a cult classic comparable to the late George C. Scott as "Patton".
The cast of other characters that I most enjoyed were Richard Dreyfuss as Dick Cheney; Stacy Keach as Bush's spiritual advisor, Earle Hudd; James Cromwell as George H. W. Bush; Elizabeth Banks as Laura Bush; and Ellen Burstyn as Barbara Bush.
Stone's treatment of George W. Bush probably inserts a lot of fiction as fact but that's part of his compelling entertainment style. One might expect Stone to have an especially harsh attitude towards Bush but I was surprised that there seemed to be more sympathy than bashing.
Before it is over, we see a tragically pitiful Shakespearean buffoon who cannot do anything right. He gains the highest office in the land but never wins the affection or approval of his frustrated father.
Since Bush has lately been mostly invisible, it is curious that this film was rushed to release before the November 4 presidential election. I am sure that this film will not change anyone's opinion of George W. Bush or have any impact on the upcoming election. I am also pretty sure that Bush's final dismal approval ratings will stand for centuries.
Update: MSNBC posts article here entitled: "W" Creator stands by Film