Oliver Stone’s W. is sticky, like dried Jack Daniels on a saloon dance floor. The more you want to remain true to you own vision of the man, whether that is on the right or left, the more you will feel compromised. Stone traps you in his sap by offering a surprisingly balanced look at the controversial President that presents his strengths and weaknesses. W. is a curiosity when one looks at the mercurial director’s oeuvre because the film is more of a tragic comedy that a serious biopic. We see little of the weight that was present in his previous works such as JFK and Nixon. This actually proves to be a welcome change because we have all run through countless allegations levied at this administration. Although the burden of two wars looms, W. is entertainment that follows a less obvious path.
G-Dub will never be out-Texased.
Stone does spotlight many of the President’s shortcomings such his history of substance abuse and philandering ways. And the director also spends ample time investigating how the man put together his more than dubious case for war. However, with so many openings for Stone to pile on the vulnerable Dubya, he opts to present the unique qualities of the man that allowed his ascent to world’s most powerful position. The President may not come across very articulate or learned, but he does have a high degree of what is termed “emotional intelligence.” The man knows how to read people and is skilled at surrounding himself with brilliant, yet ruthless, political strategists. His inner drive and down home charisma have certainly been used in less than admirable ways, but his talent in the political arena is impressive.
W. does explore the familiar subject of the man’s religious faith and the circumstances behind his rebirth as a devote Christian. However, this is mostly done with tongue planted firmly in cheek as the film has the audience questioning whether his faith is one of sincerity or convenience. In one scene early in the movie when Dubya loses his first political debate he exclaims, “There's no way I'll ever be out-Texased or out-Christianed again!”
It comes as no surprise that Oliver Stone’s W. is an extremely well-put together film and there are some excellent turns from the cast. Josh Brolin delights in the titular role, Richard Dreyfuss could not be more perfect as the Penguin-like criminal Cheney, and James Cromwell is exceptional as Bush Sr. However, these performances are not present across the board as other cast members rely on preconceived caricatures rather than true characterization. Thandie Newton as Condoleezza Rice is the striking offender as she delivers a second-rate imitation. Despite these shortcomings, W. proves a hoot and makes you want to knock back brewskies with Dubya knowing full well that you will be sick in the morning.
Adam is the founder of www.featurefilmreview.com. Email comments to adam (at) featurefilmreview (dot) com.
