So I just saw Oliver Stone's new film "W." It was pretty much a movie about a spoiled rich kid, who was ambitious beyond belief, and just about twice as arrogant. And many loved him for it. It was fascinating how Oliver Stone made you empathize with this spoiled lout, who was probably cut out to be a good baseball coach, or even commissioner, but walked around with a big chip on his shoulder, and just had to be president like Daddy.
It crams much of what we already know, and hurries its way up to the Iraq war.....which Oliver Stone believes defines his legacy. Bush believed those dark souls like Cheney, and they manipulated his stark sense of good and evil into invading Iraq.
I think Josh Brolin will get an Oscar nod....he did an amazing job capturing the spirit of W....which strangely reminds me of a young John McCain. It was fun seeing the cast of characters, Tennet, Rumsfeld, and Thandie Newton does a great Job as Condolezza Rice. The sneering Dick Cheney played by Richard Dryfuss is definitely one to remember. Jeffrey Wright was weak as Colin Powell, he just didn't have the gravitas. James Cromwell, while not exactly doing a good impersonation, definitely captures the elder Bush's stature.
This film is not easy on the guy, and his ineptness is on full display....somehow running 3 miles was the most important thing in his life at some point. I don't know if I believe the father son conflict was at the root of his drive, but it sure seems like it.
What do you think....will you see this film?