The War Room does a good job of extolling the skills of James Carville and George Stephanopolous. Clearly, their work had much to do with Clinton's victory. A little known fact about the film is that the actual campaign manager, David Wilhelm, refused to participate in it. He didn't like the idea of a camera crew roaming the headquarters and recording conversations that he felt should have been private. Clinton overruled him, of course. As a result, the documentary skews history a bit. The nuts and bolts of running a campaign are ignored while the craft of spin doctoring is glorified. In a visual medium, that's not altogether surprising, and it may even have been unavoidable. But the misrepresentation -- or rather, the selective representation -- has had the unintended consequence of contributing to public cynicism about political campaigns, which now appear to be all about the spin, the framing -- the very things that make voters feel like they're being manipulated. Perhaps a stronger emphasis on the heavy lifting of door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, meetings with interest groups, outreach to local officials, event set-up, and the like, would have given a more complete picture. Then again, those aren't exactly telegenic activities, and documentary filmmakers may have been hard-pressed to incorporate them even if Wilhelm had cooperated. But the troublesome implications remain, and are worth considering.
27 Reviews
An Interesting Look into one of the last True Campaigns
caspian197811 May 2004
The opening of the War Room is unique. We see Bill Clinton, Governor of Arkansas at the time, looking back into the camera, at the audience, with a baseball cap on his head, and a t-shirt covering his body. About to sit down to have his cereal for breakfast, Clinton is talking casual on the phone to a friend. Like the opening conversation, the War Room is as unique and clever as any political documentary before or after. Most of the world did not known who James Carville was until 1992 / 1993. Most know him as a fast talking, cocky, and brilliant political player. Here, we see a deeper human being with more than just an objective, but a message to America. Behind his tears, we see the truth behind the Clinton Campaign in 1991. Whether you are a fan of politics or don't have the stomach to digest politics, you will enjoy the War Room.
Nothing new here
MeYesMe15 February 1999
I don't profess to know anything about the inner workings of a political machine, so I was really interested in seeing a behind the scenes look at what goes on. As ignorant as I am, The War Room didn't tell me anything new. There seemed to be a consciousness (either on the part of the "war room" staff or the filmmakers) that this movie was in no way to smudge Clinton's image. So, we see a whole lotta Clinton supporters with no cracks showing in their dedication. The Clinton campaign machine comes off as the good guys while choosing to show Bush at his most offensive. These scenes were, I'm sure, included to make me appalled at the tactics employed by Bush, but instead it just made me realize that I'd probably learn more about campaigning if I were allowed 90 minutes in the REPUBLICAN war room.
James Carville was quite impressive in all of his tic-riddled glory. If I were running for anything, I would certainly want him in my corner. But the most clear-headed person to hit the screen was the enemy, Mary Matalin. She may not be charismatic, but she seemed to be the only who truly believed in her candidate instead of the hype.
James Carville was quite impressive in all of his tic-riddled glory. If I were running for anything, I would certainly want him in my corner. But the most clear-headed person to hit the screen was the enemy, Mary Matalin. She may not be charismatic, but she seemed to be the only who truly believed in her candidate instead of the hype.
Fascinating and hilarious
jaffray27 June 1999
I first saw this at Doc Films at the University of Chicago. I was expecting it to be interesting, but dry. Wow, was I wrong. The entire audience was enthralled and frequently laughing their heads off. You couldn't make up comedic characters like these if you tried. James and George are just amazing. (Of course, there would be times where HALF the audience was laughing, split along party lines. :-) )
The filmmakers also liven up the proceedings with good choices of music and little bits of Americana tossed in here and there. Invite over all your political junkie friends, get a few beers, rent this movie, and enjoy.
The filmmakers also liven up the proceedings with good choices of music and little bits of Americana tossed in here and there. Invite over all your political junkie friends, get a few beers, rent this movie, and enjoy.
A Political Education
J.Bond24 May 1999
As a student of Political Sciences, I believe this to be one of the most fascinating and introspective documentaries regarding the subject of campaigning. The first modern campaign, the 92 Clinton war is an amazing melodrama of quick rises to power, downfalls, villains, heroes, and the precursor to one of the most vicious political battles of our nation's history. In the film, if you look hard enough, you see the seeds of weakness being sown which would lead to an awesome political showdown which is more grand, more high-stakes, and more dark than the plotline of any film in this database. Note: If you like "The War Room," read Woodward's "The Agenda."
Impressive
jasondavis7 January 2005
I have to admit, I came into watching this film with somewhat low expectations, as the last political documentary I watched was "The Hunting of the President" which I found to be ultimately a weak film, with little to no focus on politics whatsoever. As somewhat of a political junkie, I was impressed by this film's portrayal of what seems to be a rather honest look into the workings of a presidential campaign. However, I think the film misses a few point where it could focus on the actual strategies being made, but it chooses more to focus on the people making the strategies. It gives an interesting look into the "reality" of the campaign, but leaves the overall strategies left mostly unexplained. Still a good film though, enjoyed it a lot. Oh, and by the way, the previous reviewed was right on the mark saying that if you liked this you should read "The Agenda" by Bob Woodward. Same sort of style.
Be spontaneous!
rmax3048237 September 2005
There is a moment in 1964's "The Best Man" in which Gore Vidal's script has Henry Fonda watching a presidential convention on television. The audience bursts into prolonged applause. Fonda rises to his feet and remarks, "There will now follow four minutes and thirty seconds of a carefully choreographed spontaneous demonstration" (or something like that). The scene was evidently intended to instruct the audience that not everything in a presidential campaign or, by extension, in politics is what it seems. We've come a long way, baby. That audience is now a LOT more -- well, either "sophisticated" or "cynical," depending on your view of human nature.
"The War Room" covers the Democratic side of the 1992 presidential campaign and election in which, you'll remember, Bill Clinton was pitted against George Herbert Walker Bush and Ross Perot. Kids -- Clinton won.
Some of the calculation that went on in the war room, the collective name for Clinton's campaign staff presided over by James Carville and George Stephanopoulis, surprised even me. I'll give one example, with rough quotes.
Carville is sitting around with his dozen or so co-conspirators and one of them brings up the idea of flooding the floor at the Democratic convention with signs in favor of gun control. "We've only got twelve hours," somebody says, "so where are we going to get signs?" "Can't we get the people to print the signs themselves?" Somebody says, "No, no. That way you're going to get a scattered couple of signs. Some will be red on white, other will be white on blue. It will send a mixed message. I just don't think it will have the same impact as a whole SEA of identical signs all over the floor." They're talking about this problem as if they're trying to solve it for the delegates and visitors on the floor of Madison Square Garden -- just being helpful, you know? -- whereas the WHOLE THING is their own idea! For all they know there may not be a single gun-control thought among the multitude of Clinton supporters, let alone enough to create a sea of signs! They carry on in the same way about most of the issues of the time and most of the current events. Bush's campaign is having its posters printed in Brazil. Can this fact somehow be turned against them? Not that the other side is virgin pure. Stephanopoulis has to deal with someone on the phone, evidently a journalist, inquiring about a rumor that Clinton has had a child by a black prostitute. Curiously similar to the rumor circulated about McCain when he opposed Bush during the 2004 primaries. In McCain's case, the rumor was accompanied by photos of "the black child," who was actually a Bengladesh girl that McCain and his wife had adopted. Nineteen ninety-two was only thirteen years ago but things have gotten a lot dirtier in that time.
As a movie, "The War Room" is informative, shot casually as the events transpired. There are no long speeches. But it's unfocused too and the editing sometimes leaves out important developments, which we learn about later. I suppose this can happen when you're just pointing the camera around and not providing a voice-over. And the film makers must have faced the additional problem that there is no logical narrative to the story. Stuff happens, abruptly and unexpectedly. It's not the careful reconstruction of an historic contretemps, like "The Thin Blue Line" or Ken Burns' "The Civil War." The candidates aside, the most memorable people in the film are James Carville, George Stephanopoulis, and Mary Matalin, Carville's opposite number on the Republican side. The two of them are from different political poles. Someone should be doing a cinema verite copy of their MARRIAGE. But they have a lot in common too. They're thick-skinned, devoted, have a sense of humor, and are animated. Carville's face is so curiously constructed that it looks devilishly lively even in repose. He comes from an old New Orleans family. The hospital for lepers at Carville is named for his ancestors who founded it.
I can't say I like George Stephanopoulis too much. He looks like the president of my senior class in high school. He's self-contained, intelligent, thoughtful, clean-cut, handsome, and is much younger than I am. I could live with all the other stuff, but his youth is inexcusable. I'd have liked him a lot better as a stuttering, kyphotic octogenarian who was able to touch the tip of his nose with the tip of his tongue. And his hair was styled so boyishly that I didn't like THAT either.
The personality that's most memorable is Carville's though. He sits there smiling on election eve and begins imagining what Clinton would say at his concession speech should Bush win. And between the chuckles he spins out an improvised, absolutely spot-on by-the-numbers speech for the Governor. I would like to congratulate President Bush on his victory tonight and assure him that all of us are behind him and that this will be a better America with our help and God's and my family most of all my wife Hillary and Chelsea and all those of you who have worked so hard on this campaign I'd like to mention So-and-So and our prayers are with the President and let us all cooperate now and move together towards a greater American co-prosperity sphere, no not that, but a more prosperous and happier American which with God's blessing and blah blah blah. I couldn't stop laughing.
"The War Room" covers the Democratic side of the 1992 presidential campaign and election in which, you'll remember, Bill Clinton was pitted against George Herbert Walker Bush and Ross Perot. Kids -- Clinton won.
Some of the calculation that went on in the war room, the collective name for Clinton's campaign staff presided over by James Carville and George Stephanopoulis, surprised even me. I'll give one example, with rough quotes.
Carville is sitting around with his dozen or so co-conspirators and one of them brings up the idea of flooding the floor at the Democratic convention with signs in favor of gun control. "We've only got twelve hours," somebody says, "so where are we going to get signs?" "Can't we get the people to print the signs themselves?" Somebody says, "No, no. That way you're going to get a scattered couple of signs. Some will be red on white, other will be white on blue. It will send a mixed message. I just don't think it will have the same impact as a whole SEA of identical signs all over the floor." They're talking about this problem as if they're trying to solve it for the delegates and visitors on the floor of Madison Square Garden -- just being helpful, you know? -- whereas the WHOLE THING is their own idea! For all they know there may not be a single gun-control thought among the multitude of Clinton supporters, let alone enough to create a sea of signs! They carry on in the same way about most of the issues of the time and most of the current events. Bush's campaign is having its posters printed in Brazil. Can this fact somehow be turned against them? Not that the other side is virgin pure. Stephanopoulis has to deal with someone on the phone, evidently a journalist, inquiring about a rumor that Clinton has had a child by a black prostitute. Curiously similar to the rumor circulated about McCain when he opposed Bush during the 2004 primaries. In McCain's case, the rumor was accompanied by photos of "the black child," who was actually a Bengladesh girl that McCain and his wife had adopted. Nineteen ninety-two was only thirteen years ago but things have gotten a lot dirtier in that time.
As a movie, "The War Room" is informative, shot casually as the events transpired. There are no long speeches. But it's unfocused too and the editing sometimes leaves out important developments, which we learn about later. I suppose this can happen when you're just pointing the camera around and not providing a voice-over. And the film makers must have faced the additional problem that there is no logical narrative to the story. Stuff happens, abruptly and unexpectedly. It's not the careful reconstruction of an historic contretemps, like "The Thin Blue Line" or Ken Burns' "The Civil War." The candidates aside, the most memorable people in the film are James Carville, George Stephanopoulis, and Mary Matalin, Carville's opposite number on the Republican side. The two of them are from different political poles. Someone should be doing a cinema verite copy of their MARRIAGE. But they have a lot in common too. They're thick-skinned, devoted, have a sense of humor, and are animated. Carville's face is so curiously constructed that it looks devilishly lively even in repose. He comes from an old New Orleans family. The hospital for lepers at Carville is named for his ancestors who founded it.
I can't say I like George Stephanopoulis too much. He looks like the president of my senior class in high school. He's self-contained, intelligent, thoughtful, clean-cut, handsome, and is much younger than I am. I could live with all the other stuff, but his youth is inexcusable. I'd have liked him a lot better as a stuttering, kyphotic octogenarian who was able to touch the tip of his nose with the tip of his tongue. And his hair was styled so boyishly that I didn't like THAT either.
The personality that's most memorable is Carville's though. He sits there smiling on election eve and begins imagining what Clinton would say at his concession speech should Bush win. And between the chuckles he spins out an improvised, absolutely spot-on by-the-numbers speech for the Governor. I would like to congratulate President Bush on his victory tonight and assure him that all of us are behind him and that this will be a better America with our help and God's and my family most of all my wife Hillary and Chelsea and all those of you who have worked so hard on this campaign I'd like to mention So-and-So and our prayers are with the President and let us all cooperate now and move together towards a greater American co-prosperity sphere, no not that, but a more prosperous and happier American which with God's blessing and blah blah blah. I couldn't stop laughing.
A Must See for Any Political Aficionado!
Sylviastel26 December 2006
I was taking a course in American Government at Rutgers when I saw this film. I fell in love with George Stephanopoulos right away. James Carville is always a delight to watch with his Cajun tongue and enthusiasm. This film documentary chronicles the Clinton election in 1992. I can't believe I miss that period now. Of course, the War Room is not for those who don't care anything about politics. The boy from Hope gave us hope and a promise that was fulfilled. Sure there was the sex scandals, at least they were interesting, the economy was headed in the right direction and we had surplus budget. Now, we're in two wars with no end in sight. Still, the War Room reminds us of the promises and the hope around election day.
The direct insight of the 1992 US elections
peapulation3 February 2009
Although Bill Clinton became president of the United States, it was James Carville and George Stephanopolous won the elections in 1992. That seems to be what Hegedus and Pennebaker are telling us in their documentary The War Room, and for what it looks like, it must have been true. The democrats hadn't won an election in a long time. They, as people in charge of the Bill Vlinton electoral campaign changed the way campaigns would be run and seen. Or did they? History tells us that presidents have aways liked being presidents! They always tried to reach the audiences, always tried to use all the media at their disposals in the best of ways, and there always were people that managed their image and wrote their scripts. The premise seems to be pretentious and wrong. It is true, however, that this is possibly the one and only documentary that gives us such an insight of the organizing committee of a presidential campaign, and it is very interesting to see how things are run, and how people think. They are the underrated heroes. Before Clinton does anything, they think of it. In fact, we hardly ever see Clinton ourselves, which further strengthens the fact that it was them who won the elections, not him.
Pennebakes does what he does best: direct cinema. But in comparison to other direct cinema legendary films, this one is hard to get fully into. In fact, the scenes that we are allowed to get into through good editing and cinematography are great, but the rest is just annoying and confusing. Also, it's hard to keep track of all that goes on in the war room, and although that was never going to be easy to do, it should have been done better. Still, a lot of it is very good, and worth a look, because the concept, the most important thing in a direct cinema film, is very interesting, and now that we know how things ended, pleasant to watch (unless you're a republican...) WATCH FOR THE MOMENT - When Carville is asked by the media if Clinton went to Moscow. "Yes" answers Carville. He knows exactly what is doing.
Pennebakes does what he does best: direct cinema. But in comparison to other direct cinema legendary films, this one is hard to get fully into. In fact, the scenes that we are allowed to get into through good editing and cinematography are great, but the rest is just annoying and confusing. Also, it's hard to keep track of all that goes on in the war room, and although that was never going to be easy to do, it should have been done better. Still, a lot of it is very good, and worth a look, because the concept, the most important thing in a direct cinema film, is very interesting, and now that we know how things ended, pleasant to watch (unless you're a republican...) WATCH FOR THE MOMENT - When Carville is asked by the media if Clinton went to Moscow. "Yes" answers Carville. He knows exactly what is doing.
Excellent political documentary. That shows Bubba's path to the white house.
blanbrn29 June 2007
"The War Room" is a fantastic documentary that shows the behind the scenes and takes an inside look at a presidential campaign for president. This film follows then Arkansas governor Bill Clinton's track from the snowy cold first Primary in New Hampshire in January of 1992 to the final victory party on election night in November of 1992. The best scenes are shown in the campaign room when you hear the plans and game plans of the two most important Clinton insiders that being James Carville and George Stephanopoulos. Carville the outspoken and fiery southern who ran the campaign with charm and hard working passion. Really an emotional moment is when James gives his speech at the end by breaking down and crying really a touching moment for the viewer. While Stephanopoulos the brilliant and young bright mind who was an ex Rhodes Scholar does a fine job as the communications director helping Bill dodge and maneuver around such scandals as Gennifer Flowers and the draft dodge. The film also has plenty of highlights from the debates, speeches, campaign tours, and highlights of final election results too. Really a fine documentary of how a political campaign should be done, which most will find both educational and informative.
James. Carville. Is. Perfect.
matthewssilverhammer30 May 2018
This largely one-sided but refreshingly unsensationalized doc entertainingly shows how the political sausage is made. And James Carville is a national treasure, and he alone makes this worth watching. In reference to the Ross Perot presidential campaign celebration, he said: "It is the most expensive single act of masturbation in the world."
Awesome movie
matthewjherbert7 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
As a government teacher, this is one of the few movies I make sure I play EVERY year. The Ragin' Cajun is unstoppable in this film! Anyone who wishes to know EXACTLY what a campaign is like inside and out needs to check out this film. There is a scene in this film featuring George Stephanopoulous where he straight up threatens to end a guys political career, should he come out with allegations against Clinton. I am simply amazed that this scene wasn't edited out of the film. However, the simple fact that it wasn't helps me realize how "real" this film is.
The only reason that I gave this a 9 out of 10 instead of a 10 out of 10 is simply that as time passes, the Bush v. Clinton election becomes slightly less and less relevant to viewers. Anyone younger than about 25 probably won't relate to the details (Jennifer Flowers, etc...) of this film.
The only reason that I gave this a 9 out of 10 instead of a 10 out of 10 is simply that as time passes, the Bush v. Clinton election becomes slightly less and less relevant to viewers. Anyone younger than about 25 probably won't relate to the details (Jennifer Flowers, etc...) of this film.
Interesting political docu.
OllieSuave-00726 April 2018
This is a documentary that follows the 1992 presidential campaign of Bill Clinton. I saw this in a political science class, and remembered that some of the students gave this quite the chuckle, from seeing the overzealousness of George Stephanopoulos to seeing a young, drab-looking Chelsea Clinton.
It was interesting seeing all the ins and outs of a campaign, most notably seeing people running around like crazy like with chickens without their heads. It was quite educational, but, I really wished they would have given James Carville a major-makeover (forgive my opinionated mind).
Grade B-
It was interesting seeing all the ins and outs of a campaign, most notably seeing people running around like crazy like with chickens without their heads. It was quite educational, but, I really wished they would have given James Carville a major-makeover (forgive my opinionated mind).
Grade B-
More Shameless Propaganda For The Liberals & The Clintons
ccthemovieman-112 June 2007
You know all you need to know about this "documentary" with a statement George Stephanopoulos makes early to reporter Sam Donaldson.
Stephanopoulous, a member of the unbiased (ahem) media since the end of the Clinton Administration and a former member of said administration, looks Sam right in the eye and says, with all sincerity, that Bill Clinton's "character has never been in doubt."
Yeah, right.
Well, if you want a lot more Liberal slants, especially by another crony, James Carville, this video is for you. It's all about how wonderful the Clintons are and how they got elected by smart guys like the above-mentioned pair. Actually, it's more of a praise-a-thon to Stephanopoulos and Carville than Mr. Bill.
By the way, Hollywood would never make something like this if a Republican had won. They are only thrilled enough to make something like this if a Democrat wins.
One other thing: it was a shock to see this on tape a couple of years after it was made just to see how young Clinton looked. It's amazing how quickly the job of President of the United States can age you.
Stephanopoulous, a member of the unbiased (ahem) media since the end of the Clinton Administration and a former member of said administration, looks Sam right in the eye and says, with all sincerity, that Bill Clinton's "character has never been in doubt."
Yeah, right.
Well, if you want a lot more Liberal slants, especially by another crony, James Carville, this video is for you. It's all about how wonderful the Clintons are and how they got elected by smart guys like the above-mentioned pair. Actually, it's more of a praise-a-thon to Stephanopoulos and Carville than Mr. Bill.
By the way, Hollywood would never make something like this if a Republican had won. They are only thrilled enough to make something like this if a Democrat wins.
One other thing: it was a shock to see this on tape a couple of years after it was made just to see how young Clinton looked. It's amazing how quickly the job of President of the United States can age you.
A great inside look
rzajac20 July 2003
This would be an excellent film to show high school poly sci students. It shows the combination of art and craft that goes into a campaign; it promises to entice students into politics without pretending that there isn't some finagling and footwork involved.
Weak points: The sequence involving the Bush Brazilian print job goes on way too long and then doesn't resolve. Also, I (for one) was looking forward to seeing that timeless moment during the East Lansing debate when Clinton stepped away from the podium to address the draft issue, head on. That was a make-or-break moment that reminded us just how far a little candor can go when conventional political wisdom has us by the lapels, screaming in our faces. It's too bad the directors/editors didn't see fit to give us that critical moment, which I consider quite historical, not to mention on-topic.
All told, worth seeing. Interesting to watch something like this and remember that the pendulum sometimes swings...that way.
Weak points: The sequence involving the Bush Brazilian print job goes on way too long and then doesn't resolve. Also, I (for one) was looking forward to seeing that timeless moment during the East Lansing debate when Clinton stepped away from the podium to address the draft issue, head on. That was a make-or-break moment that reminded us just how far a little candor can go when conventional political wisdom has us by the lapels, screaming in our faces. It's too bad the directors/editors didn't see fit to give us that critical moment, which I consider quite historical, not to mention on-topic.
All told, worth seeing. Interesting to watch something like this and remember that the pendulum sometimes swings...that way.
How to sell a president
Mnemosyne16 August 2000
This is the perfect movie to watch pre-elections -- it reminds those of us who voted for Clinton in 1992 why he seemed to be the answer to our prayers, and introduces us to the men who made us believe that. It's not really about Clinton -- the heroes are James Carville and George Stephanopoulos, who work in the "war room" in Little Rock, Ark., and coordinate the campaign. Even the most cynical anti-Clintonite will admit that Carville and Stephanopoulos are sincere in their belief in Clinton's policies and in the man himself. The best scene comes towards the end on Election Day, when Carville begins talking to himself, composing a concession speech for Clinton.
The film is so focused on the Clinton campaign that if you don't know ahead of time that Carville and Mary Matalin, who appears as the Bush campaign spokeswoman, got married after the campaign, her scenes might seem a little out of place ... at least until the sight of him whisking her away on a romantic weekend trip during the course of the campaign jogs your memory.
The film is so focused on the Clinton campaign that if you don't know ahead of time that Carville and Mary Matalin, who appears as the Bush campaign spokeswoman, got married after the campaign, her scenes might seem a little out of place ... at least until the sight of him whisking her away on a romantic weekend trip during the course of the campaign jogs your memory.
Good film, fascinating topic.
thewhopdx12 February 2004
This is a well-made, but not exceptionally crafted documentary. However, the topic is so inherently fascinating, the editing so effective, and the subjects (James Carville, Clinton himself) are so funny, that I gave the movie a 9. I would definitely recommend buying it off Amazon.com for $8.99, as I did.
This is a 6, The Bunker a 10
sabrinamsprinkle6 March 2023
Like I said in my title, War Room is a 7 and was definitely ground breaking when it was made. No doubt a must see. It's amazing to watch what goes on behind the scenes of election campaigns and is terrifying to think about what we're not allowed to see. Especially in this day and age. On both sides. But if you really want to see a fun version of it (it's definitely truth telling with a sly smile and exclamation point) just watch the Netflix original series "Documentary Now" season 2, titled "The Bunker" Omg, hilarious 😂 It's got Fred Armensen and Bill Hader so you can't go wrong. It's poignant, unapologetic and downright hilarious. You can thank me later. Lol.
A Fortuitous Choice
gavin694230 May 2017
A documentary of the Bill Clinton 1992 presidential campaign and the organization who ran it.
Wile this film was great in its own time, it has only gained in importance since. First of all, the choice to follow Clinton is an interesting one. While he ultimately won, at the beginning of the campaign, Clinton was losing to Paul Tsongas. It would be a very strange film if it followed a candidate who never even won the primary. Would such a film be completed or would they just scrap the whole project? But those involved have risen. George Stephanopoulos has become an important political commentator. James Carville is a legend. The Clinton family has had political influence far beyond 1992 (though it took quite a hit in 2016). And then there is Rahm Emanuel, who could someday make a run of his own.
Wile this film was great in its own time, it has only gained in importance since. First of all, the choice to follow Clinton is an interesting one. While he ultimately won, at the beginning of the campaign, Clinton was losing to Paul Tsongas. It would be a very strange film if it followed a candidate who never even won the primary. Would such a film be completed or would they just scrap the whole project? But those involved have risen. George Stephanopoulos has become an important political commentator. James Carville is a legend. The Clinton family has had political influence far beyond 1992 (though it took quite a hit in 2016). And then there is Rahm Emanuel, who could someday make a run of his own.
A fairly effective documentary.
Hey_Sweden25 August 2020
"The War Room" tells the story of the incredible 1992 presidential campaign of Arkansas governor Bill Clinton, and as such, it manages to be at least pretty interesting. Its focus is on all of the back stage maneuvering by savvy political experts; it's really thanks to them that Clinton won back in '92. The two characters who get the lions' share of the attention are fiery, outspoken James "The Ragin' Cajun" Carville, and boyish Rhodes Scholar George Stephanopoulos. Together they deal with the various ups and downs of this particular campaign. Counteracting accusations from other candidates, dealing with the whole Gennifer Flowers mess, skirting the draft-dodging issue, etc.
Although ones' political leanings may dictate how they feel about the film, there's no denying that the directors, Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker, use a highly involving approach. They refrain from being overly cinematic, opting to be very straightforward about what they're doing, showing real people in real situations. As a result, the viewer does kind of feel like the cliched "fly on the wall" while watching various heated discussions. For the most part, however, what effectiveness "The War Room" achieves is due to the colourful Carville, who indeed had charisma to rival that of any Hollywood star.
In the end, "The War Room" does clearly make its point, about the people behind this campaign succeeding due to unconventional methods, and by catering heavily to young voters. The viewer may not get a sense of all the little details and nuances that go into running a campaign, but they do see what it's like when people have a talent for "spinning".
Seven out of 10.
Although ones' political leanings may dictate how they feel about the film, there's no denying that the directors, Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker, use a highly involving approach. They refrain from being overly cinematic, opting to be very straightforward about what they're doing, showing real people in real situations. As a result, the viewer does kind of feel like the cliched "fly on the wall" while watching various heated discussions. For the most part, however, what effectiveness "The War Room" achieves is due to the colourful Carville, who indeed had charisma to rival that of any Hollywood star.
In the end, "The War Room" does clearly make its point, about the people behind this campaign succeeding due to unconventional methods, and by catering heavily to young voters. The viewer may not get a sense of all the little details and nuances that go into running a campaign, but they do see what it's like when people have a talent for "spinning".
Seven out of 10.
we all need advice like this
lee_eisenberg25 October 2006
I watched "The War Room" a few days after the 2004 election. Seeing Bill Clinton's strategies, I really got the feeling that John Kerry didn't do as much as he could have. But also, I could see why the far right went after Clinton: here was a young man who came of age in the '60s and was certainly a far cry from the old men who usually dominate Washington. But even aside from that, it was very interesting - even sort of funny - just getting a glimpse inside DC. I would recommend this documentary just so that people can understand politics better. With the midterm elections less than two weeks away, we just might have a chance to change the disastrous course that George W. Bush has led us on. A very good documentary.
Watch the Machine at Work
view_and_review28 January 2022
When Bill Clinton ran for president in 1992, I was too young to vote. I would've voted for him simply because I saw him on the Arsenio Hall Show. So works the mind of a fourteen-year-old. Don't be too critical though because there are plenty of adults who have worse criteria than that for voting for a candidate.
For the political junkies "The War Room" is an excellent documentary. For the politically intrigued, like myself, it was a nice documentary. I have about a dozen political books on my shelf and this documentary matches up perfectly with the book "The Red and the Blue: The 1990s and the Birth of Political Tribalism."
This documentary is a behind the scenes look at the Clinton campaign from the primaries all the way to the conclusion of the general election. The stars of the documentary are James Carville and George Stephanopoulos, the backbone of the Clinton campaign. They were the brains of the operation and had their fingerprints on everything that went on. Just sit and watch the machine as it whirs to keep a candidate afloat and put him on top.
For the political junkies "The War Room" is an excellent documentary. For the politically intrigued, like myself, it was a nice documentary. I have about a dozen political books on my shelf and this documentary matches up perfectly with the book "The Red and the Blue: The 1990s and the Birth of Political Tribalism."
This documentary is a behind the scenes look at the Clinton campaign from the primaries all the way to the conclusion of the general election. The stars of the documentary are James Carville and George Stephanopoulos, the backbone of the Clinton campaign. They were the brains of the operation and had their fingerprints on everything that went on. Just sit and watch the machine as it whirs to keep a candidate afloat and put him on top.
compelling inside look
SnoopyStyle1 February 2015
It's 1992. This documentary follows the Clinton campaign from the New Hampshire primary to its Little Rock headquarters as they win a landslide victory over Bush Sr. The team is led by the bombastic raging Cajun James Carville and the scholarly Greek George Stephanopoulos. They face scandals like Jennifer Flowers and draft dodging allegations. They try to work on a story of Bush printing campaign material in Brazil but nobody is willing to write it up. Then there is Perot walking away from the election and finally entering the fight. It's a great insight into the heart of the operation. It's not all cleaned up for the camera such as when George plays hardball against a final minute allegation that Clinton fathered a black baby. It is possibly the first of its kind and maybe not to be repeated. It's also fascinating that these characters would become political TV stars. It's a behind-the-scenes look unlike anything before or possibly since.
A Room Worth a View
Joe Benik2 November 2000
This is one of the great political films since All the President's Men, and one of the best documentaries I've ever seen. The story is fascinating, the characters are very interesting, and its all real. Even the music adds to the frenetic pace of the film.
The documentary follows the 1992 Clinton Campaign from the doldrums in New Hampshire, through the Democratic convention in New York to its summit on election night in Little Rock. But Clinton spends very little time on the screen. The film captures the behind-the-scenes action of James Carville, George Stephanopolis, and the rest of the cast and crew of Clinton campaign headquarters. The film shows how TV spots are written, how interviews are managed, how the candidates' message is distributed, and how the "spin doctors" do their stuff.
The pace is quick. Staffers come into and out of scenes constantly, and there is a great deal of off-camera dialogue, much like an emergency-room scene from E.R. The mix of standard documentary footage with news reports and interviews is terrific. Some of the best scenes are of the pols watching the news reports and reacting to what they see.
The central character is James Carville, who is more interesting than anyone else in the campaign, much moreso than the candidates themselves. He reveals that his "Ragin' Cajun" image is genuine, for he is truly passionate about his work. But it also reveals a mind working on overdrive, and a sensitive nature that you wouldn't expect to see. His "people will say you are lucky" speech to staffers at the end of the film is as moving as anything written for the studio, and moreso because it is genuine.
Stephanopolis came off less well. Behind his youthful looks and seeming intelligence comes a certain shallowness. Much of his contribution was more of a "me too" nature than anything truly creative or deep. He also had a moment at the end of the film when, in a room with a starry-eyed female staffer, he's describing how he feels. And the conclusion is, not much. It is not hard to understand why years later George was a washout in the Clinton White House, never managed another campaign, and is now earning his living in front of the camera.
After all is said and done, it is clear that the candidate is secondary in a modern presidential election. He's like the hand your dealt in a game of poker. It's important, but what you do with it once it is dealt to you is much more important. And these guys are pros.
So are the filmmakers. There were several times when I had to remind myself that this was a documentary, and not a work of fiction. In fact, if you see it immediately after seeing "Primary Colors" you'll see that truth is not only stranger than fiction, but it can be more interesting as well.
The documentary follows the 1992 Clinton Campaign from the doldrums in New Hampshire, through the Democratic convention in New York to its summit on election night in Little Rock. But Clinton spends very little time on the screen. The film captures the behind-the-scenes action of James Carville, George Stephanopolis, and the rest of the cast and crew of Clinton campaign headquarters. The film shows how TV spots are written, how interviews are managed, how the candidates' message is distributed, and how the "spin doctors" do their stuff.
The pace is quick. Staffers come into and out of scenes constantly, and there is a great deal of off-camera dialogue, much like an emergency-room scene from E.R. The mix of standard documentary footage with news reports and interviews is terrific. Some of the best scenes are of the pols watching the news reports and reacting to what they see.
The central character is James Carville, who is more interesting than anyone else in the campaign, much moreso than the candidates themselves. He reveals that his "Ragin' Cajun" image is genuine, for he is truly passionate about his work. But it also reveals a mind working on overdrive, and a sensitive nature that you wouldn't expect to see. His "people will say you are lucky" speech to staffers at the end of the film is as moving as anything written for the studio, and moreso because it is genuine.
Stephanopolis came off less well. Behind his youthful looks and seeming intelligence comes a certain shallowness. Much of his contribution was more of a "me too" nature than anything truly creative or deep. He also had a moment at the end of the film when, in a room with a starry-eyed female staffer, he's describing how he feels. And the conclusion is, not much. It is not hard to understand why years later George was a washout in the Clinton White House, never managed another campaign, and is now earning his living in front of the camera.
After all is said and done, it is clear that the candidate is secondary in a modern presidential election. He's like the hand your dealt in a game of poker. It's important, but what you do with it once it is dealt to you is much more important. And these guys are pros.
So are the filmmakers. There were several times when I had to remind myself that this was a documentary, and not a work of fiction. In fact, if you see it immediately after seeing "Primary Colors" you'll see that truth is not only stranger than fiction, but it can be more interesting as well.
Marketing or politics ... or both?
Openize27 January 1999
This movie / documentary gives you an impression about what has been cooked before it's served. It's the kitchen and you see the master boiling more than eggs alone. The intriguing part of it all is the simplicity in thinking mostly; it's a complex world, but it comes down to some simple things; polls, how to go about competition and for sure ... what's credible and what's not? The reality of politics ... for real!
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