The American President is a terrific film on many levels, combing comedy, drama, satire and romance in an almost perfect blend. Michael Douglas stars as Andrew Shepherd, the incumbent President of the United States. He finds himself under increasingly unrelenting and unforgiving scrutiny when he starts an affair with lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening). Starting out with a 63% approval rating, the figure drops alarmingly and Shepherd seems to be determined to ignore the advice of his most trusted staff.
Among the staff members are A.J (Martin Sheen), trusted advisor and long-time friend - who still insists on calling him “Mr President” even when they are playing pool in private. Chief spin doctor is Lewis Rothschild (Michael J. Fox) who is committed, loyal and also quite determined to get his own pet project, legislature for a reduction in firearms, put through. Robin McCall (Anne Deavere Smith) is another advisor, perhaps even more focused and ruthless than the rest. Backing them up is analyst Leon Kodak (David Haymer) and the President’s personal memory bank, Janie Basdin (Samanta Mathis), who keeps him apprised about his schedule, who’s done what, and what he as the President has done (without knowing a thing about it at the time!!). Oh and there’s also his daughter Lucy (Shawna Waldron) to contend with, and her lack of enthusiasm for subjects like Social Studies. Her father tries very hard to help her become interested in it… poor girl!!
With Shepherd refusing to reply to allegations about his private life, opposition Senator Bob Rumson (Richard Drefuss) takes advantage to push home the growing concerns about Shepherd’s fitness for office. With election year looming, it seems that the President must choose between continuing to keep his private life private (as far as possible), or respond to the taunts of his detractors and actually stand a chance of being re-elected. He also has to decide whether to do what will get him vital votes, or keep a promise… Wade asks the President “do you think this is a good idea?” at one point in the movie. The answer - “probably not” - kind of summarises the whole film.
Apart from the superb cast (Michael J Fox stands out, but all the cast members put in admirable performances), the smart writing by Aaron Sorkin and sure handling by Director Rob Reiner make this an excellent movie. The script was nominated for a Golden Globe and Writer’s Guild of America awards) and is constantly funny and witty, while creating characters that we care enough about to be interested in what happens to them. Many questions are effectively raised in this film and a lot of smart observations are made about politics, the media, and people’s perceptions. As one character says: “Politics is perception”. Several important issues are raised such as pollution-induced climate change and gun crime. While the ending sensibly leaves it to the imagination just how much good a stirring speech at the end will actually do (Douglas delivers this speech with so much aplomb that it actually works), the fact that the issues have been raised is enough and unless you don’t like happy endings, it is a satisfying finale. It isn’t sappy though, otherwise the romance between Shepherd and Wade would never have seemed even passably realistic.
Douglas and Bening sizzle in their scenes together and the rest of the cast bounce off each other (not literally of course…)in the humour stakes. Both were nominated for American Comedy Awards for their roles in this film. Fox is incredibly earnest and Sheen reservedly passionate, and Hymer is very, very funny. Mathis has a few priceless moments, particularly when she feels that she shouldn’t divulge what she knows about the President’s actions despite being told that it’s a matter of national security. Smith’s character didn’t seem to have much purpose in the movie but even she had some good comedic moments. The President trying to do normal things himself - like ordering a bunch of flowers over the phone - also provided some humour. The music (by Marc Shaiman) is excellent and deserves a mention too, - it was nominated for an Oscar that year.
Overall, The American President is a very funny and often very perceptive film. It’s quite a liberal film (so I’ve read - I don’t claim to know much about American politics or indeed any politics), but whatever your political stance, if you like a well-crafted, smart and funny movie, I can’t see you not liking this.
Andrew Shepherd Michael Douglas is a handsome youthful widower and a dedicated Democrat raising a teenage daughter. He also just happens to be the pre...More at Family Video
Boy meets girl - and the press tracks their every move, rivals fire broadsides and a Presidency with 63% popularity rating plunges to 41% in seven wee...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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