The Special Relationship (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

Peter Morgan and Michael Sheen spoke about developing this movie in 2007. It was originally going to be about Tony Blair's relationship with George W. Bush.

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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

Bill Clinton: This Administration has been born in controversy, national shame and illegality, and it is my bet that that's the way they'll go out.

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Connections

Follows The Deal (2003)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

An engaging portrayal of a political relationship

This film is about Tony Blair and his working relationship with Bill Clinton during Blair's years as the British Prime Minister.

Michael Sheen portrays Tony Blair in a confident manner, the differences in his character's radiance between the beginning and the end of the film is easily observable. Hope Davis deserves a special mention. I have always thought she looks like Hillary Clinton, and Hope Davis brilliantly portrays a strong, determined, and able lady that remarkably resembles Hillary Clinton.

A political film may fall into the trap of becoming propaganda, but "The Special Relationship" does not feel anything like that. It portrays the mutual support between the two countries' leaders. It is a engaging story that is remarkably told and acted.