Vice
2018
***
Director: Adam McKay
Cast: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell, Tyler Perry, Alison Pill, Lily Rabe, Jesse Plemons, Justin Kirk, LisaGay Hamilton, Eddie Marsan
A darkly comic biopic of Dick Cheney, whose colourful political career reached its peak as vice president under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. Adam McKay's film argues that Cheney was a power-hungry and (in the last 10 minutes, literally) heartless operator, who orchestrated the War in Iraq. This is an entertaining but crass and one-sided account of Cheney's life and career. McKay keeps things lively with some unusual and enjoyable storytelling devices. Christian Bale gives a commanding but slightly mannered performance, and his impressive make-Up and hairstyling won an Academy Award.
