W.
2008
**
Director: Oliver Stone
Cast: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Banks, James Cromwell, Ellen Burstyn, Richard Dreyfuss, Toby Jones, Thandie Newton, Jeffrey Wright, Scott Glenn, Bruce McGill, Jennifer Sipes, Noah Wyle, Ioan Gruffudd
This biopic of George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States of America, was released at the end of his second term. Oliver Stone is not a stranger to controversy but, unlike Nixon or JFK, this is a toothless drama which doesn't seem to have anything critical to say about one of the most contentious leaders in the country's history. Stone portrays Bush as a wide-eyed man of the people who just wants to earn his father's approval. The script skips most of the key events in his presidency (the controversial election win, 9/11, and Hurricane Katrina) to concentrate on the weeks and months in 2002 and 2003 when his administration attempts to justify the upcoming War in Iraq. The other half depicts Dubya's aimless early years until one day he stops drinking and finds God. Josh Brolin avoids mimicry and gives a very strong lead performance, but the rest of the promising cast merely stand in for real-life people. Thandie Newton, who plays National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, has the most thankless role. She sits in the White House meetings in her odd-looking hair and puckered lips and says nothing meaningful during the two hours.
