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Wag the Dog (1997)

R  97 min  -  Comedy | Drama   -  9 January 1998 (USA)
7.1
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Ratings: 7.1/10 from 42,843 users   Metascore: 73/100 
Reviews: 197 user | 126 critic | 22 from Metacritic.com

Before elections, a spin-doctor and a Hollywood producer join efforts to "fabricate" a war in order to cover-up a presidential sex scandal.

Director:

Barry Levinson

Writers:

Larry Beinhart (book), Hilary Henkin (screenplay), and 1 more credit »
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Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 2 wins & 12 nominations See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dustin Hoffman ...
Robert De Niro ...
Anne Heche ...
Denis Leary ...
Fad King
Willie Nelson ...
Johnny Dean
Andrea Martin ...
Liz Butsky
Kirsten Dunst ...
William H. Macy ...
CIA Agent Charles Young
John Michael Higgins ...
John Levy
Suzie Plakson ...
Grace
Woody Harrelson ...
Sergeant William Schumann
Michael Belson Michael Belson ...
President
Suzanne Cryer ...
Amy Cain
Jason Cottle Jason Cottle ...
A.D.
David Koechner ...
Director
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Storyline

After being caught in a scandalous situation days before the election, the president does not seem to have much of a chance of being re-elected. One of his advisers contacts a top Hollywood producer in order to manufacture a war in Albania that the president can heroically end, all through mass media. Written by Christy  

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Scandal | Hollywood | Cover Up | Spin Doctor | Albania  | See more »

Taglines:

A comedy about truth, justice and other special effects. See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Albanian (only a few words)

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Des hommes d'influence See more »

Filming Locations:

Bakersfield, California, USA See more »

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$92,079 (USA) (28 December 1997) (3 Screens)

Gross:

$43,022,524 (USA) (3 May 1998)
See more »

Company Credits

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

DTS  | Dolby Digital  | SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Dustin Hoffman based his character of Stanley Motss on Hollywood producer Robert Evans. See more »

Goofs

Continuity: The small private jet which the main characters and Sgt. Schumann board has two engines. When the jet is about to crash, a shot of the cockpit shows throttle and engine controls for a four-engine plane. See more »

Quotes

Stanley Motss: That's right. During the filming of 'The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,' three of the horsemen died two weeks before the ending of principle photography. This is nothing, this is nothing. This is... this is... this is act one- The War.
See more »

Crazy Credits

"Special Thanks to The Cast and Crew for Completing Principal Photography
in 29 Days!" See more »

Connections

References Jaws (1975) See more »

Soundtracks

"CLASSICAL ALLEGRO"
Written by Marc Ferrari & Nancy Hieronymous
Courtesy of Master Source See more »