The Special Relationship (TV 2010)

A dramatization that traces former U.K. prime minister Tony Blair's relationships with Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Director:

Richard Loncraine

Writer:

Peter Morgan

Stars:

Michael Sheen, Demetri Goritsas, Adam Godley

Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Another 11 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Michael Sheen	...	Tony Blair
Demetri Goritsas	...	Strategist
Adam Godley	...	Jonathan Powell
Marc Rioufol	...	Jacques Chirac
Mark Bazeley	...	Alastair Campbell
Helen McCrory	...	Cherie Blair
Nancy Crane	...	Protocol Officer
Dennis Quaid	...	Bill Clinton
John Schwab	...	Reporter
Hope Davis	...	Hillary Clinton
Kerry Shale	...	Advisor to the Clintons
Lara Pulver	...	Intern
Eric Meyers	...	American Journalist
Rufus Wright	...	British Journalist
Matthew Marsh	...	Foreign Policy Advisor

Storyline

In 1992 Labour leader Tony Blair goes to America and is impressed by the policies of President Clinton,which he uses to reshape his party. Two years later he is invited back for an audience with Clinton,who,rightly, predicts that he will be Britain's next Prime Minister.Thus begins the 'special relationship' between the two, though Clinton is clearly the senior partner with Blair seeking his advice on Northern Ireland. The situation in Kosovo however reverses the roles as Blair forces American intervention by a reluctant president and is seen in the American media as the hero of the hour. As Clinton accuses his ally of stabbing him in the back the special relationship starts to sour and,with Clinton ultimately out of the White House,Blair takes his first photo call with the next incumbent,Bush.

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Plot Keywords:

british prime minister

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Taglines:

Never underestimate the politics of friendship.

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Certificate:

TV-14

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

29 May 2010 (USA)

Also Known As:

Untitled Peter Morgan Project

Filming Locations:

Brooklands Industrial Park, Weybridge, Surrey, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Rainmark Films, HBO Films, BBC Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Both Michael Sheen and Adam Godley have played Kenneth Williams in TV moves, Sheen in Fantabulosa in 2006 and Godley in Cor Blimey! in 2000.

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Goofs

When Tony Blair lands at Dulles Airport in 1992, the limo that picks him up bears a State of Washington license plate.

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Quotes

Jonathan Powell: All political friendship is strategic and conditional.

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Connections

Featured in 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (2011)

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Soundtracks

"Friendship"
Written by Cole Porter
Performed by The New Broadway Cast Recording

User Reviews

Surprisingly good!

It seems movie reviews of this work are subject to the politics and realities of the event rather than the recreation and acting of this surprisingly good story. Dennis Quaid, who I've never seen do anything above mediocre work usually just mirroring himself, was just outstanding as Bill Clinton. I think it is by far his best piece of acting to date. Equally so for Michael Sheen who I am less familiar with. Both men did a good job of presenting the personalities, complexities and subtleties of each leader. "Hillary Clinton" didn't just look the part - she was Hillary (at least what we know of her). Bill was presented as the smart politician sleaze ball and failed leader of lost promise that he was. Tony Blair is presented as both a promising leader and sympathetic character doomed to eventual destruction. The story was able to project all this in its short 90 minutes. On top of that it was educational to boot. Good job!