Last night, I had occasion to see a movie.
That in itself is enough to write a column. You see, since about 2003, I have really only rarely seen a new movie during its run in the theaters. I’m not exactly sure why – I guess it’s an amalgam, comprised of equal parts disgust with the general rancor I feel when I go and have to deal with all the bad behavior, from adults and children, who have not learned the simple manners of the group situation, to the physical discomfort of a place that once could be counted upon to be cool and comfortable, no matter what the thermometer showed outside.
Nonetheless, there I was, at the grandiose edifice known as the Krikorian, to view Oliver Stone’s latest offering.
It was, and after reflection, is, amazing.
As someone predisposed to the belief that the overall tenor of the movie could be nothing less than a scathing indictment of the 43rd holder of the top executive position in this country, along with a lampooning of his buffoonery, I was surprised. The story is generally less humorous than I suspected, and also is a bit less smooth than other films the director has produced. I suspect this may have to do with the urge to get the movie out before the election – but that may only be my take on it.
Stone has chosen to use the disjointed method of telling the story of George W. Bush, which can be an effective style, but also must be done carefully to keep the viewer engaged through the many jumps in time. Although never getting lost in the time line, the transitions are not close to seamless, as some other Stone productions have been.
The most revealing thing about this movie is the way in which Stone weaves the various historical blunders with an effort to explain – no, almost forgive, the shortcomings of the man. I came away with the view that while Stone has a genuine distaste for the sitting president, he also believes that circumstances beyond control forced his personal story to be so sad and disappointing.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who left the theater with a different view of ‘W’. I’m sure that was the point of the exercise.
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Quote of the day:
It isn’t necessary to have relatives in Kansas City in order to be unhappy. – Groucho Marx