Films about corrupt politicians, dictators, etc.
Jun 20, 2018 2:43:35 GMT
vegalyra, spiderwort, and 1 more like this
Post by london777 on Jun 20, 2018 2:43:35 GMT
Leviathan(2014) dir: Andrey Zvyagintsev
Corrupt mayor protected and encouraged by a greedy church
The Contender (2000) written/dir: Rod Lurie
Joan Allen is VP candidate but has to deal with all the usual smear tactics. One of Gary Oldman's best roles.
The Candidate (1972) dir: Michael Ritchie
Robert Redford is a candidate for the Senate
No Love for Johnnie (1961)
Peter Finch superb as a once idealistic Member of Parliament whose private life is falling apart. Every time a UK MP has a personal crisis/scandal the hacks mention this picture as an authentic account.
House of Cards (UK TV mini-series, 1990)
A satire on the Thatcher administration starring Ian Richardson in an iconic role.
Wag the Dog (1997) dir: Barry Levinson
A political advisor (Robert De Niro) and a Hollywood producer (Dustin Hoffman) "produce" a hot war to distract the nation from a presidential sex scandal. Considered an extreme fantasy when released. Today, not so much.
In the Loop (2009) dir: Armando Iannucci
More realistic telling of a similar story. A rare example of a top US military figure, played by James Gandolfini, being humane and thoughtful. (They are usually blustering hotheads like General Ripper in "Strangelove"). Though Gandolfini does toe the line at the end to save his career.
Fame Is the Spur (1947) dir: Roy Boulting
A liberal politician (Michael Redgrave) becomes cynical and reactionary as he climbs the ladder to Prime Minister. A British classic which has not, IMHO, worn well.
The Chiltern Hundreds (1949) dir: John Paddy Carstairs
Ealing style farce about the machinations behind a bye-election. The writer, William Douglas-Home, knew what he was writing about. His brother later became Prime Minister.
The Manchurian Candidate (1962) dir: John Frankenheimer
Musical in which Frank Sinatra is surprised to find he has been elected President of Manchuria because his LPs are so popular there. He exchanges the corrupt world of Hollywood for the simple life of a goat-herder.
Primary Colors (1998) dir: Mike Nichols
Spoof on the Clintons rise to prominence starring John Travolta and Emma Thompson. I like it, but it does not seem to be well regarded in the US, maybe for partisan reasons.
Bob Roberts (1992) written, directed and starring Tim Robbins. He is a redneck folk singer, controlled by the sinister Alan Rickman, who becomes a Presidential candidate, using every dirty trick in the book.
Corrupt mayor protected and encouraged by a greedy church
The Contender (2000) written/dir: Rod Lurie
Joan Allen is VP candidate but has to deal with all the usual smear tactics. One of Gary Oldman's best roles.
The Candidate (1972) dir: Michael Ritchie
Robert Redford is a candidate for the Senate
No Love for Johnnie (1961)
Peter Finch superb as a once idealistic Member of Parliament whose private life is falling apart. Every time a UK MP has a personal crisis/scandal the hacks mention this picture as an authentic account.
House of Cards (UK TV mini-series, 1990)
A satire on the Thatcher administration starring Ian Richardson in an iconic role.
Wag the Dog (1997) dir: Barry Levinson
A political advisor (Robert De Niro) and a Hollywood producer (Dustin Hoffman) "produce" a hot war to distract the nation from a presidential sex scandal. Considered an extreme fantasy when released. Today, not so much.
In the Loop (2009) dir: Armando Iannucci
More realistic telling of a similar story. A rare example of a top US military figure, played by James Gandolfini, being humane and thoughtful. (They are usually blustering hotheads like General Ripper in "Strangelove"). Though Gandolfini does toe the line at the end to save his career.
Fame Is the Spur (1947) dir: Roy Boulting
A liberal politician (Michael Redgrave) becomes cynical and reactionary as he climbs the ladder to Prime Minister. A British classic which has not, IMHO, worn well.
The Chiltern Hundreds (1949) dir: John Paddy Carstairs
Ealing style farce about the machinations behind a bye-election. The writer, William Douglas-Home, knew what he was writing about. His brother later became Prime Minister.
The Manchurian Candidate (1962) dir: John Frankenheimer
Musical in which Frank Sinatra is surprised to find he has been elected President of Manchuria because his LPs are so popular there. He exchanges the corrupt world of Hollywood for the simple life of a goat-herder.
Primary Colors (1998) dir: Mike Nichols
Spoof on the Clintons rise to prominence starring John Travolta and Emma Thompson. I like it, but it does not seem to be well regarded in the US, maybe for partisan reasons.
Bob Roberts (1992) written, directed and starring Tim Robbins. He is a redneck folk singer, controlled by the sinister Alan Rickman, who becomes a Presidential candidate, using every dirty trick in the book.